JUNE 15: A tragic helicopter accident occurred today in the Kedarnath sector, involving Aryan Aviation’s Bell 407 helicopter (Reg. VT-BKA). The helicopter, which was operating a shuttle service for pilgrims between Shri Kedarnath Ji and Guptkashi, crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 and 05:45 Hrs.
The helicopter had initially taken off from Guptkashi at 05:10 Hrs, landing safely at Kedarnath by 05:18 Hrs. It then departed again at 05:19 Hrs on its return leg. On board were five passengers, an infant, and the pilot. Preliminary findings suggest poor weather conditions and low visibility may have contributed to the crash, with the suspected cause being Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). However, a full investigation is being undertaken by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to determine the exact cause.
Rescue efforts, led by the NDRF and SDRF, are actively ongoing at the crash site. In response, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami convened an emergency meeting with senior officials, the Secretary (Civil Aviation), and representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
In immediate response to the incident:
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All operations of Aryan Aviation for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended with immediate effect.
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Two helicopters operated by TransBharat Aviation, found to have flown in similarly poor weather conditions, led to the six-month suspension of the licenses of both pilots involved.
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All charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the Kedarnath region have been suspended for 15th and 16th June 2025.
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The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been directed to carry out a comprehensive safety review with all operators and pilots.
Additionally, UCADA will establish a dedicated Command-and-Control Room to monitor real-time flight operations. The DGCA has been instructed to deploy officers specializing in airworthiness, safety, and operations to closely supervise all helicopter activities in the Kedarnath valley.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation reiterated that aviation safety is non-negotiable, and any violation of weather or operational protocols will be met with strict enforcement actions to uphold public safety and the sanctity of human life.
. The helicopter, which was operating a shuttle service for pilgrims between Shri Kedarnath Ji and Guptkashi){kind=link}