A helicopter crash in Uttarkashi on May 8 led to the death of all six people on board. According to a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB), the helicopter hit an overhead fibre cable while trying to make an emergency landing.
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What Happened?
The BELL 407 helicopter, operated by Aero Trans Service Pvt. Ltd., took off for a charter flight during the Char Dham Yatra. Around 20 minutes after takeoff, the helicopter began to descend from its assigned altitude of 10,500 feet. The pilot tried to land on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway (NH 34), but the helicopter’s main rotor struck a cable running alongside the road.
The impact caused the helicopter to lose control. It hit metal barricades and tumbled down a steep slope before coming to rest against a tree, about 250 feet deep in a gorge.
Details of the Flight
- The helicopter took off at 8:11 AM from Kharsali helipad.
- The flight was operated by a single pilot.
- It was supposed to be flown by another pilot but changes were made.
- The helicopter was flying normally before the emergency descent.
Aircraft Condition
- The helicopter was manufactured in 2008.
- All inspections were up to date as of April 25, 2025.
- A defect in the tail rotor was reported earlier on May 3 but had been fixed by May 7.
- The AIIB report confirmed the aircraft was airworthy at the time of flight.
Investigation Status
Authorities are still examining the crash in detail. Technical advisors and international experts are helping to find the root cause.
Another Crash in Gaurikund
Just over a month later, on June 15, another helicopter crashed in Gaurikund, Uttarakhand. It was flying from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi and crashed at 5:20 AM near a place called Gauri Mai Khark.
There were seven people on board – six passengers (including a child) and the pilot. All were killed in the crash.
The helicopter belonged to Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and reportedly crashed due to bad weather and poor visibility. The passengers were from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. A couple from Maharashtra and their two-year-old daughter were among the victims.
This crash will also be investigated by the AIIB.
These incidents highlight the dangers of flying in mountainous regions and during uncertain weather conditions. Investigations are ongoing to improve flight safety in the region.
