A third dangerous encounter between a kite and a tourist helicopter occurred in less than a month, with an “emergency-return-to-base” near the Garuda Wisny Kencana Monument (GWK) on Monday, 29 July 2024.
According to a written statement issued by the head of the Airport Authority ( Kantor Otoritas Bandar Udara Wilayah IV), Agustinus Budi Hartono, a Robinson R66 Helicopter operated by PT Volta Pasifik Aviasi with registration PK-VPN became entangled with a kite string and was forced to land at 9:46 a.m. near Area 29 of GWK.
As reported by Beritabali.com, Augustinus said the helicopter, operated by PT Volta Pasifik Aviasi, piloted by Adhi Tri Budiono, and carrying two passengers, was on a chartered journey from JAG Heliport to Nusa Dua, GWK, Uluwatu, and JAG Heliport at the time of the incident.
The statement confirmed that the pilot and passengers were uninjured in the incident that demanded a sudden return to base. Authorities stated that the helicopter became entangled with a kite string near the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Monument at a flight altitude of 900 feet (275 meters).
The Provincial Law of 2000 regulating kite flying in Bali expressly forbids kites from being launched into flight and operated at any altitude within 9 kilometers of Bali’s Airport. The GWK is located only 5 kilometers from the airport.
Aviation authorities have reported the latest mishap to the office of Bali’s interim Governor, police, and related aviation agencies. The latest helicopter emergency follows two commercial helicopter incidents on 02 and 19 July 2024 when helicopter rotors became entangled in kite lines. While the most recent f incident resulted in only an emergency landing, the second precipitated a crash landing near Suluban Beach, destroying a Bell 505 Helicopter that sent five passengers and crew to the hospital.
Related Links
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02 July 2024 Kite Downs Helicopter in South Bali
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Kites Near Bali’s Airport Threatens Safety
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