Pawan Hans Helicopter Ditches Near Mayabunder; All Seven Rescued Safely
A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven individuals, including two pilots and five passengers, crash-landed into the sea near Mayabunder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on Tuesday morning. All on board were promptly rescued and are reported to be safe, with some admitted to a local hospital for observation. A preliminary technical snag is suspected as the cause.
Key Highlights
- Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven ditched into the sea near Mayabunder.
- All five passengers and two crew members were rescued safely.
- Incident occurred on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026, around 9:30 AM.
- A preliminary technical snag is suspected as the cause of the crash.
- Rescued individuals were admitted to Dr. RP Hospital in Mayabunder for observation.
- The incident comes shortly after another air ambulance crash in Jharkhand.
A Pawan Hans helicopter, a public sector undertaking in India, carrying a total of seven individuals – two crew members and five passengers – experienced a 'short landing incident' and subsequently ditched into the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM on February 24, 2026.
The helicopter had reportedly taken off from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or from Sri Vijaya Puram, a location near Mayabunder, and was on its approach or shortly after departure when the incident took place. Official reports, including statements from a Pawan Hans spokesperson, confirmed that despite the helicopter crashing into the sea, all seven individuals on board were successfully rescued and are reported to be safe.
Initial information suggests that a technical snag might have been the preliminary cause behind the emergency landing. Civil Aviation Director Nitesh Rawat stated that a preliminary inquiry indicated a technical snag, prompting the pilot to make a crash-landing on the sea. The helicopter went down approximately 300 meters short of the runway it was attempting to land on.
The rescued passengers included Rajita Devi, her infant Kamal Ch. Das, Sipra Saha, and Nambi Amma. All rescued individuals, including the pilots, were immediately admitted to Dr. Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder for observation and treatment. Local authorities confirmed that the pilots were also safe.
The prompt and effective rescue operations were initiated swiftly following the incident, ensuring the safe evacuation of all occupants. Pawan Hans emphasized that all necessary safety protocols were followed, and authorities ensured the well-being of the crew and passengers.
Mayabunder is a town located in the northern part of Middle Andaman Island and serves as the headquarters of the North and Middle Andaman district. It is an important hub for commerce and government in the region and is connected to Port Blair by both road and ferry.
This incident has drawn attention due to its timing, as it occurred merely a day after a fatal air ambulance crash in Jharkhand's Chatra district. That separate incident involved a Beechcraft C90 air ambulance, which crashed en route from Ranchi to Delhi, resulting in the tragic deaths of all seven people on board. While the Pawan Hans incident thankfully resulted in no fatalities, the proximity of these two aviation mishaps within 24 hours has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in India.
Authorities are actively assessing the situation, and a detailed technical investigation is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause and circumstances leading to the helicopter ditching. Further official statements and updates are awaited as inquiries continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Pawan Hans helicopter?
A Pawan Hans helicopter carrying seven people, including two pilots and five passengers, suffered a 'short landing incident' and crashed into the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday morning.
Were there any casualties in the helicopter crash?
No, all seven individuals on board – five passengers and two crew members – were successfully rescued and are reported to be safe. They were admitted to Dr. RP Hospital in Mayabunder for observation.
What caused the Pawan Hans helicopter to crash?
A preliminary inquiry suggests that a technical snag was the cause of the crash, leading the pilot to make a crash-landing into the sea. A full investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances.
When and where did this incident occur?
The incident occurred around 9:30 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, into the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
Is this related to other recent aviation incidents in India?
Yes, this incident occurred just a day after a fatal air ambulance crash in Jharkhand, where all seven people on board died. While unrelated in cause, the proximity in time has drawn attention to aviation safety.