India, April 5 -- A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed that critical safety protocols were not followed in the crash of a Pawan Hans helicopter near Mayabunder in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The accident, which occurred on February 24, resulted in the death of one passenger and serious injuries to several others.

In its preliminary report on the accident, the AAIB recommended that the aviation safety watchdog conduct spot checks on the operations of all commercial helicopter operators to check their compliance with this requirement. The body also recommended to the DGCA to sensitise its pilots to arm floats for all applicable operations.

A Pawan Hans helicopter crashed into the sea af...