MUMBAI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s helicopter had lost its way, but due to the smartness of the pilot, it landed safely at Juhu airport by anticipating the dust storm that had badly hit Mumbai’s extended suburbs, Thane, and Kalyan area.
DCM Eknath Shinde was on his way to attend the wedding ceremony of his party’s office bearer at Murbad so at noon, his helicopter left from Malalaxi Racecourse’s helipad at 3.30 pm and it was on its way to Murbad, and it has barely reached to Airoli in Thane district, then anticipating the heavy and strong dust storm that was brewing at Thane and Kalyan area and that could pose the major trouble.
Shinde’s helicopter pilot, anticipating the danger of a dust storm, was forced to change the route and decided to land the helicopter safely at Juhu airport. According to the officials, the pilot acted swiftly and safely landed the helicopter at Juhu Pawan Hans in Mumbai.
DCM Eknath Shinde’s office also confirmed that no untoward incident took place due to the smartness and alertness of the helicopter pilot. It stated that there were no injuries and that all passengers on board, including DCM Eknath Shinde, are safe.
“As the aircraft neared Airoli, the pilot noticed severe weather conditions and strong winds approaching from the front. The visibility was the major issue. Then, he informed the DCM Eknath Shinde, and they decided to take a precautionary decision and changed the route of the helicopter and took it back, and safely landed at Juhu airport,” reads the DCM office note.
It further stated that the pilot, after assessing the possible danger, decided to turn the helicopter back instead of continuing the journey. Officials said the timely decision and presence of mind shown by the pilot helped avoid any untoward incident.
According to the weather department, light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in the region of Thane, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai, and adjoining areas. The forecast mentioned light thunderstorms with maximum surface wind speeds below 40 kmph.
