Smoke billowing out of the crashed helicopter in Kedarnath today.
Kedarnath/New Delhi: A helicopter accident in the Kedarnath sector of Uttarakhand today claimed the lives of five passengers, an infant, and a crew member, plunging the region into mourning and prompting swift action from authorities.
Aryan Aviation’s Bell 407 helicopter, registered as VT-BKA, was operating a shuttle service between Shri Kedarnath Ji and the Aryan Helipad in Guptkashi when it crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 and 05:45 hours. The helicopter had taken off from Guptkashi at 05:10 hours, landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 hours, and departed a minute later for its return journey.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been caused by Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with the helicopter navigating through poor visibility and dense cloud cover at the valley’s entry point. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a detailed probe to ascertain the exact cause.
Rescue operations are actively underway at the crash site, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) working to navigate the rugged terrain.
The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, a significant pilgrimage that draws thousands to the region. In response, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened an emergency meeting at 11:00 hours, attended by senior state officials, the Secretary of Civil Aviation, and representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The meeting yielded a series of decisive measures to address immediate safety concerns and prevent future tragedies.
Aryan Aviation’s operations for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended with immediate effect, grounding its fleet pending further review. Investigations revealed that two helicopters operated by M/s TransBharat Aviation, registered as VT-TBC and VT-TBF, were also airborne in similar hazardous weather conditions. The licenses of their pilots, Captain Yogesh Grewal and Captain Jitender Harjai, have been suspended for six months as a consequence.
To reinforce safety protocols, all charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region have been halted on June 15 and 16, 2025. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of all operators and pilots before services can resume, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards. Additionally, UCADA will establish a dedicated Command-and-Control Room to monitor real-time operations and flag any potential risks promptly.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed the DGCA to deploy officers from its Airworthiness, Safety, and Operations divisions to oversee all helicopter activities in the Kedarnath valley. These officers will also scrutinise the functioning of UCADA’s Command-and-Control Room to ensure robust oversight.
The Ministry emphasised that aviation safety is paramount, issuing a stern directive to the DGCA to enforce all existing regulations rigorously. Operators have been warned against undertaking flights in violation of weather-related or other safety protocols, with the sanctity of human life underscored as non-negotiable.
The crash has raised concerns about the challenges of operating helicopters in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain, particularly during unpredictable weather. As rescue teams continue their efforts and investigations unfold, the suspension of operations and heightened scrutiny signal a commitment to prioritising safety in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage routes.
– global bihari bureau
