Helicopter Crash in Kedarnath Sector Prompts Immediate Suspension of Aviation Operations

A helicopter crash near Gaurikund in the Kedarnath sector has prompted the immediate suspension of Aryan Aviation and other flight services. The incident, likely caused by poor visibility, is under investigation by the AAIB.
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Uttarakhand, June 15- A serious aviation mishap occurred early this morning in the Kedarnath sector involving a helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation. The Bell 407 aircraft (Registration VT-BKA) was flying the route between Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad and Guptkashi when it tragically crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30 hrs and 05:45 hrs.

The helicopter had departed from Guptkashi at 05:10 hrs, landed at Kedarnath at 05:18 hrs, and took off again at 05:19 hrs. On board were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member. Preliminary findings suggest Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) as the likely cause, attributed to poor visibility and extensive cloud cover in the valley area at the time of departure. The definitive cause will be ascertained through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were immediately deployed and are actively engaged in ongoing search and recovery operations at the site.

Following the incident, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a high-level emergency meeting at 11:00 hrs with senior officials from the Government of Uttarakhand, the Secretary of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and other stakeholders to assess the situation and initiate urgent measures.

As per official directives, the following immediate actions have been undertaken:

  • Suspension of Aryan Aviation’s operations for the Char Dham Yatra with immediate effect.

  • Licenses of two TransBharat Aviation pilots have been suspended for a period of six months after it was found that they operated flights under similarly unsafe weather conditions.

  • All helicopter charter and shuttle services in the Kedarnath region have been suspended for June 15 and 16, 2025, as a safety precaution.

  • The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive operational review with all aviation operators and their pilots before resuming services.

  • A dedicated Command-and-Control Room will be set up by UCADA to monitor real-time helicopter operations and enable rapid escalation in case of emergency.

  • The DGCA has been directed to deploy officers from its Airworthiness, Safety, and Operations divisions to oversee all helicopter movements in the Kedarnath valley and ensure strict compliance with aviation regulations.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reiterated that aviation safety remains non-negotiable. It has emphasized that no helicopter operator shall be permitted to fly in violation of weather advisories or flight safety protocols, especially in challenging terrain such as the Himalayan region.

This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of stringent adherence to aviation safety norms, particularly in high-altitude pilgrimage zones. Further details will be shared as the investigation progresses and rescue operations conclude.

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