A FALSE warning of system failure resulted in the crew of a helicopter ditching in the North Sea, according to a report.

All 14 passengers and crew members on the Super Puma were rescued after the incident in May, about 30 miles off the coast of Aberdeen.

Air accident investigators said the crew carried out a controlled ditching.

The helicopter was on a scheduled flight from Aberdeen Airport to a platform in the North Sea at the time.

However, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch report said the system had given the crew a "false warning".

It said: "The evidence indicates the emergency lubrication system had activated and remained operating for the remainder of the flight.

"Thus, the system had given the crew a false warning of system failure. This warning resulted in the crew ditching the helicopter in the sea."

Investigators recommended a review by the manufacturer.

The report said: "It is recommended the European Aviation Safety Agency requires Eurocopter to review the design of the main gearbox lubrication system ... to ensure the system will provide the crew with an accurate indication of its status when activated."

The investigation continues.