BY IRWIN ANGIKI
The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) said a formal investigation has been launched into the helicopter incident on Friday last week in Munda, Western province last week.
Around 4pm on Friday, the helicopter carrying relief food supplies reportedly bound for Rendova island, was forced to land in shallow waters offshore Munda.
“A Bell 222U helicopter operated by Helicopter Support Limited was involved in a ditching serious incident today at approximately 4pm in the waters near Munda Airport. Local emergency response teams and local authorities were immediately deployed to the scene,” a statement by CAASI Director Brian Halisanau on Saturday said.
“The pilot and his sole crew have been accounted for, safe and well. CAASI is working closely with the aircraft operator to ensure coordinated support and accurate information dissemination.
“A formal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the serious incident. CAASI’s priority is to establish the facts, uphold aviation safety standards, and reassure the public of the continued safety of air operations in the Solomon Islands,” Mr Halisanau said.
National Disaster Management Office in Noro had told Island Sun Friday last week the helicopter was making its final run that day with relief supplies for Rendova island.
Two trips to the same destination were earlier successful.
Rescue efforts were immediately made for the pilot and crew and also to salvage the relief supplies onboard, NDMO said.
The incident will offer setback to relief work on the eastern side of the province, NDMO told Island Sun.
Police told Island Sun that the matter was under the radar of Aviation and NDMO.
Meanwhile, Heli-Support is the only civilian helicopter operator in the country based in Honiara.
Heli-Support since it started in 2005, has been regarded as a key asset which the Government has relied on for search and rescue missions on sea and terrain, medical evacuation and disaster relief distributions.
Relief supplies are being distributed in coordinated efforts led by Government for provinces affected by cyclone Maila, especially the Western and Choiseul provinces.
Photo credit: Henry Smith Malvi
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