Helicopter Mishap in Pune: Minister Bhujbal’s Chopper Touches Down at Wrong Location, Sparks Safety Concerns
Helicopter Mishap in Pune: Minister Bhujbal’s Chopper Touches Down at Wrong Location, Sparks Safety Concerns
A routine visit by Chhagan Bhujbal in Pune took an unexpected turn on Saturday morning when the helicopter he was travelling in landed at an incorrect spot, causing alarm among officials and locals. The chopper, which was meant to land at a designated helipad in the Purandar area, instead touched down in an open parking lot nearly a kilometre away. The unexpected landing stirred panic on the ground, especially as a large cloud of dust formed during the descent, adding to the confusion.
Bhujbal had travelled to the region to attend an event marking the 200th birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule. Reassuring everyone after the incident, he said, “The pilot made an incorrect landing in a parking area, but all of us are completely safe.”
According to local authorities, the pilot appears to have misidentified the landing site, mistaking the open parking space for the actual helipad, which was approximately 1.3 kilometres away. Police personnel on duty quickly intervened and guided the helicopter to the correct landing location. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported.
Officials from the Pune rural police confirmed that proper arrangements had been made in advance, including sharing the exact coordinates of the helipad with the flight crew. Despite this, the pilot reportedly failed to locate the designated spot and proceeded with the landing elsewhere. A senior officer stated that the matter will be reported to aviation authorities, and the pilot “will have to face action” following an inquiry.
The incident has drawn attention at the state level as well. Devendra Fadnavis responded by ordering a detailed investigation, saying, “I do not yet have full information, but a thorough inquiry will be conducted.”
Additional Superintendent of Police Ganesh Biradar noted that confusion during the approach led to the error, with the pilot unable to correctly identify the helipad despite prior arrangements.
The episode has also triggered political reactions. Rohit Pawar raised serious concerns about aviation safety, especially for high-profile individuals. Referring to a past tragedy involving Ajit Pawar, he remarked, “Such incidents highlight the risks associated with pilot misjudgment and raise important safety questions.”
