AAIB suggests formal framework for collaboration involving itself, DGCA, defence authorities

The AAIB has recommended a formal framework for collaboration between the AAIB, DGCA, and defence authorities to prevent similar incidents after a close call between an Air India aircraft and an Indian Navy helicopter in February 2024.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended establishing a formal framework for collaboration involving the bureau, civil aviation safety regulator DGCA and defence authorities.

This is one of the recommendations made by the AAIB in its final investigation report on the incident where an Air India aircraft and an Indian Navy helicopter came close to each other at the Port Blair airport in February 2024.

''The probable cause of the incident was inadequate assessment of the traffic situation by the approach controller, which resulted in reduced separation and close proximity between the departing aircraft and the overflying helicopter,'' the report, which has now been made public, said.

The incident, which happened on February 2, 2024, involved Air India's A319 plane operating the flight AIC 788 from Port Blair to Kolkata, while the Indian Navy's helicopter ALH MK III was conducting a training mission in the north-east sector of the local flying area.

After a traffic advisory was triggered, the helicopter performed a right turn to avoid the plane's take-off path. Later, the aircraft proceeded with its planned route while the helicopter discontinued its localiser approach and landed back, as authorised by the approach controller.

In the report, AAIB said no formalised mechanism for the exchange of safety-related information exists between defence authorities, especially the Indian Airforce, Indian Navy, and Indian Army, with AAIB and DGCA.

''Although AAIB has previously issued recommendations on coordination with defence authorities in its investigation reports into the accidents involving VT-MPQ at Gwalior Airport on 06.05.2021 and VT-PTE at Umari on 05.01.2023; these recommendations are yet to be implemented,'' it said.

Against this backdrop, AAIB said that recommendations from previous investigation reports regarding coordination with defence authorities should be implemented on a priority basis, and a formal framework for collaboration between DGCA/AAIB and defence authorities should be established.

''This will ensure that the regulations are followed for the investigations conducted under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules 2025 and relevant DGCA CAR,'' the report said.

CAR refers to Civil Aviation Requirements.

Considering the increased traffic, AAIB has suggested that the Indian Navy may consider the provision of a secondary radar system at Port Blair with the capability to aid the controller in managing the traffic efficiently while avoiding similar situations.

Among other recommendations, AAIB said that DGCA may review and suitably amend the relevant CAR to include the procedures to investigate incidents /accidents conducted under Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025, in case of occurrences involving defence aircraft or occurrences in a defence aerodrome.

With the aircraft's Pilot In Command (PIC) found to have engaged in ''undue conversation with the controller'', AAIB also suggested that Air India may sensitise their flight crew on the importance of adhering to RT (Radio Telephony) discipline.

AAIB probed the incident since it was classified as a ''serious'' one.