Maharashtra Minister Bhujbal’s Chopper Lands In Parking Lot, Away From Pune Helipad
Bhujbal’s chopper lands away from helipad, causing panic in Pune.
A helicopter carrying Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal triggered panic on Saturday after it landed nearly a kilometre away from its designated helipad, touching down in a parking lot in the Purandar area of Pune district.
The incident occurred when Bhujbal was travelling to attend an event marking the birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule. Despite a properly prepared helipad at the venue, the chopper landed at an incorrect location, reportedly due to a pilot error or misjudgment during the final approach.
According to officials, the helicopter descended into an open parking area instead of the designated landing zone, causing confusion and alarm among people present at the site. A large cloud of dust during landing further heightened the sense of panic, though no injuries or damage were reported.
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Preliminary reports suggest that the pilot may have mistaken the parking space for the helipad or lost visual clarity due to dust — a phenomenon known as “brownout,” which can significantly reduce visibility during landing. Authorities noted that the coordinates of the helipad had been shared with the crew in advance.
Bhujbal later confirmed that all passengers were safe, stating that the helicopter had “landed wrongly” but without any harm. Local police intervened soon after the landing and guided the pilot, following which the aircraft was moved to the correct location.
The incident has raised serious concerns over aviation safety protocols, particularly given recent sensitivities around air travel involving political leaders. Officials have indicated that the matter will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the pilot is likely to face scrutiny or action as part of an inquiry into the lapse.
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