Aviation – Pawan Hans Helicopter Ditches Near Mayabunder Coast
Aviation – A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven people made an emergency landing in the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning, with all passengers and crew rescued safely.
Emergency Landing Near Mayabunder
The helicopter, operated by Pawan Hans, encountered difficulties shortly before landing and went down in the sea about 300 metres short of the runway near Mayabunder. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., moments before the aircraft was scheduled to touch down.
According to officials familiar with the situation, the aircraft had departed from Port Blair earlier in the morning and was approaching Mayabunder when the crew initiated what was described as a controlled ditching. The helicopter was carrying two crew members and five passengers at the time.
A company spokesperson referred to the occurrence as a “short landing incident,” noting that the aircraft experienced trouble during its final approach. Despite the unexpected landing in water, all seven individuals on board were rescued promptly. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Swift Rescue Operation
Local rescue teams responded immediately after the helicopter went down. Given the proximity to the shoreline and runway, emergency services were able to reach the site without delay. Passengers and crew were brought to safety and later assessed as a precaution.
Officials have not yet detailed the technical cause behind the incident. Standard operating procedures require a thorough inspection of the aircraft and a review of flight data to determine what led to the emergency landing. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry.
Pawan Hans, a government-owned helicopter service provider, operates flights across remote and island regions, including the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The service plays a critical role in connecting isolated communities and supporting administrative and emergency operations.
Incident Follows Fatal Crash in Jharkhand
The emergency landing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands occurred just a day after a separate aviation tragedy in eastern India. On Monday evening, a Beechcraft C90 air ambulance crashed in Chatra district of Jharkhand, killing all seven people on board.
The aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, had taken off from Ranchi and was en route to Delhi on a medical evacuation mission when it went down in a forested area under Bariatu Panchayat in Simaria.
In a statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the aircraft, registered as VT-AJV, departed Ranchi at 19:11 IST. It established contact with Kolkata air traffic control at 19:34 IST but subsequently lost communication and radar contact approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
The crash site was later identified in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district. Authorities confirmed that all seven individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives. The victims included two pilots and medical personnel who were part of the evacuation flight.
Investigations Underway
Aviation regulators have initiated investigations into both incidents. While the circumstances surrounding the emergency ditching in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands appear to have resulted in a safe outcome, officials will examine whether mechanical issues, weather conditions, or other operational factors contributed to the situation.
In the Jharkhand crash, investigators are expected to analyze flight data, maintenance records, and communication logs to reconstruct the final moments before contact was lost. Recovery teams have been working at the crash site to secure evidence and assist in the inquiry.
Recent events have once again drawn attention to aviation safety protocols and emergency preparedness. Authorities have reiterated that comprehensive investigations are essential to determine causes and prevent similar occurrences in the future.