DGCA launches probe into Arjun Munda's helicopter mishap in Ranchi

NEW DELHI: Aviation regulator DGCA launched a probe into the helicopter accident in Ranchi in which Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda suffered injuries.

"We have appointed Assistant Director (Air Safety) Sanit Kumar as the Investigating Officer," Director General of Civil Aviation E K Bharat Bhushan said here.

The twin-engined helicopter, Agusta AW 109, crash-landed at the Birsa Munda Airport at 12:30 pm while trying to make an emergency landing following a technical problem.

All aspects of the accident, including the reported technical snag, would be investigated by the DGCA probe panel, official sources said, adding the chopper turned turtle after hitting the ground.

Ranchi Superintendent of Police Ranjit Kumar said the Chief Minister was admitted to a hospital.

The helicopter was returning to Birsa Munda Airport around noon after it could not land at Kuchai in Sareikela-Kharsawan district, about 100 kms from here.

"The helicopter fell from a height apparently due to a technical problem while landing," a close aide of the Chief Minister said.

The chopper suffered damage in the mishap, he said.