On 30 Oct 09, Sqn Ldr A Kulkarni (26560-G) F(P) and Flt Lt Abhimanyu Singh(28002-B) F (P) were detailed to fly a Cheetah helicopter for SAR duties. Afterstart, the crew noticed a sudden rise in JPT beyond maximum permissible limit andRPM rising beyond the initial clutch engagement, causing the rotors to engage. Thishappened due a malfunction in the idling device. Using their keen observation andinstantaneous judgment, the crew immediately switched off. Further investigationrevealed that high JPT remained for two seconds, which was the limit for the aeroengine. Had this incident gone unnoticed, the result could have been catastrophic.Sqn Ldr A Kulkarni and Flt Lt Abhimanyu Singh displayed good observation anda high degree of professionalism in averting a possible incident. |