AAIB Flags Unarmed Floats and Steep Descent in Andaman Helicopter Crash

Overview

• The AAIB’s preliminary report on the February 24 Pawan Hans crash near Mayabunder says the co‑pilot flew the final approach and the helicopter descended fast into shallow water, leaving one passenger dead and others injured.
• Investigators found the emergency flotation switch set to off, so the floats did not deploy on impact, a system meant to keep the helicopter buoyant during water landings.
• The bureau noted that passengers wore only lap belts while both pilots used full shoulder‑strap harnesses, highlighting a gap in restraint use.
• The weather briefing sheet lacked local details for Rangat and Mayabunder even as the crew encountered haze and low visibility and chose to follow the coastline.
• Investigators recovered flight and engine monitoring data and brought in France’s BEA as an accredited representative, and they urged the DGCA to require arming floats, full passenger restraints and life jackets with spot checks on operators.