UN helicopter crash report blames pilot, UN of flouting rules

Kathmandu - A Nepalese government investigation into the crash of a United Nations helicopter earlier this year has cited negligence and non-adherence to aviation rules by the pilot and the UN as the main causes for the accident. The helicopter, a Russian built Mi-8 belonging to the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN), crashed on a hillside in Ramechaap district, about 100 kilometres east of the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, in March during stormy weather, killing 10 people. The report which was handed over to the government Tuesday accused the pilot of ignoring Visual Flight Rules (VFR) while flying in area surrounded by high mountains and the UN of allowing pilots without the requisite experience to fly the aircraft. 'Under Nepalese rules the captain of the aircraft must work as a co-pilot for one year before flying the aircraft,' the leader of investigation team, Narendra Prasad Ghimire, said. 'The Russian captain piloting the helicopter had just 10 hours of flying experience in Nepal.' Ghimire said the investigations into the crash had been difficult because the cockpit voice recorder had been shut down during the flight and the team was unable to get technical details. But he said the investigations had involved talking to witnesses and experts. 'It appears that despite the flight plan, the pilot flew the helicopter into the clouds thinking it would take it above the clouds and safely to Kathmandu,' Ghimire said. 'There seems to be lack of pilot experience and his unfamiliarity of Nepal's terrain and weather system.' Meanwhile, the UNMIN said it would review the report before making recommendations. 'UNMIN expects to receive the full report of the commission shortly, and will closely review the findings and recommendations in conjunction with United Nations Headquarters in New York,' the UN body said. 'Initial observations and recommendations from the Commission were conveyed to UNMIN, and appropriate action has already been taken in accordance with these,' the UNMIN said.