The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report on a helicopter crash in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on February 24. The report reveals that the emergency floats of the Pawan Hans helicopter were not armed, leading to a critical failure during the crash.
The helicopter, an Airbus AS365N3, was carrying 10 passengers when it crash-landed into the sea. Five passengers were bound for Rangat, and the remaining five for Mayabunder. The report states that the floats failed to deploy on water impact, and the aircraft toppled onto its starboard side.
Both crew members evacuated all passengers, who were ferried to a hospital in Mayabunder by boat. Three passengers, including an infant, and both crew members were subsequently airlifted to Sri Vijaya Puram. One passenger died on the third day following the accident.
The AAIB has made interim safety recommendations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), including ensuring strict adherence to passenger seat restraint mechanisms and life jackets, and conducting spot checks on commercial helicopter operators for compliance.
