A Pawan Hans Limited Airbus AS365N3 helicopter (VT-PHY) crashed into the sea while attempting to land near the Mayabunder helipad, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to several others.
According to preliminary reports, the helicopter was carrying seven people, including two crew members and five passengers. One passenger lost their life in the accident, while two sustained serious injuries and two suffered minor injuries. Both pilots survived safely.
Initial investigation findings suggest that the helicopter descended rapidly during its approach in low-visibility conditions and made a crash landing in the sea. Officials revealed that the helicopter’s float system, which should have been activated during such conditions, was not deployed at the time of the accident.
Following the crash, the helicopter overturned in the water; however, the crew successfully evacuated all passengers. The deceased passenger’s body was later recovered from the sea approximately 1.6 kilometers away from the helipad.
Investigators also found that passengers were not wearing shoulder seat belts and complete weather information may not have been available before landing. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) enforce stricter safety regulations and ensure mandatory use of float systems.
Authorities clarified that the report is preliminary and the final cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
