The
helicopter which is not only the symbol of luxury but also the state of the art
design, power, and performance with great safety. Sikorsky S76 helicopter is
the one of the best helicopters in the world with over 850 S76 delivered across
the globe with 7 million hours of flight by the fleet world-wide. Manufactured
by US based Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin Company) is one of the iconic
helicopter manufacturer in civil as well as military since 1925.
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| ©Devendra Kulkarni |
This helicopter – S76 can be used for various tasks such as Search & Rescue, Offshore operations, VIP transport as well as Air Ambulance.
It is
operated by more than 130 customers operate S-76 helicopters in a Corporate or
VIP role. Ten countries rely on the S-76
for the Head of State mission.
VT-CMM -
The Sikorsky
S76C++, MSN : 760815 - purchased in 2011 for VIP transport of Chief Minister of
the Maharashtra State, India. Since then this helicopter is used to transport
CM of the state for his visits to various parts of the state. Registered as VT-CMM
(Chief Minister of Maharashtra) it is one of the most prestigious helicopter in
India. Operated by Directorate of Aviation, Maharashtra state. Due to this task it has to land on remote
helipads or locations throughout state.
On 25th May 2017, at 12:00PM IST – while taking off from Nilanga, Latur district, Maharashtra after an event the helicopter has got stuck with powerline nearby due to variable wind pattern (as said by the news sources) due to which it is unable to generate lift and has to crash land. Weather at Nilanga is said to be around 40-41 °C at the time of incident. With total of 6 person on board 2 (crew) + 4 (pax) including CM of the state left unhurt of this incident, while helicopter has been damaged including main rotor blades, tail structure, & landing gears as seen in the crash photos.
The DGCA released a statement about the incident:
“Maharashtra Govt Sikorsky helicopter VT-CMM took off from Nilanga - SE of Latur at 1200 hrs. There were 06 persons on board, including 2 crew members. Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra was also on board. After take-off, pilot found variable wind pattern. Pilot decided to land back. During landing, the helicopter got entangled in wires. The helicopter has sustained substantial damage. All six persons are safe and escaped unhurt. Spoke to commander of the flight as well as Hon’ble CM. Both informed well being of all occupants.”
Tweet of CM :
Our helicopter did meet with an accident in Latur but me and my team is absolutely safe and ok.— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 25, 2017
Nothing to worry.
I’ve been
spotting this chopper since 2012 & since then I’ve spotted it over 30 times
till 14th May 2017. It is my favourite one. I am also lucky to have
chance to see this helicopter in particular up-close. Thanks to my pilot friends
who flies for CM who are very friendly and understands the passion for aviation
& flying. We are those AVgeeks who looked up in sky when we heard aircraft
flying over.
Post : My all time havourite helicopter - VT-CMM
VT-CMM is 1
of 5 Sikorsky S76 helicopters which operate in India (VT-CMM/DBH/KNH/NIT/NMA)
all of them are spotted by me.
Here are few photos the helicopter taken by me during this 6 years period :
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| ©Devendra Kulkarni |
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| ©Devendra Kulkarni |
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| Most recent spotting on 14th May 2017 - ©Devendra Kulkarni |
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| Most recent spotting on 14th May 2017 - ©Devendra Kulkarni |
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| ©Devendra Kulkarni |
Hope to see this beautiful helicopter back in air soon but unfortunately it can't take charge of the sky as it has suffered damage - Beyond Economic Repair.
Contact : me@devendra.one
