According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a tragic helicopter crash occurred on Sunday involving Aryan Aviation’s Bell 407 (Registration VT-BKA), which was operating on the “Shri Kedarnath Ji – Aryan Helipad, Guptkashi”. On board were five passengers, an infant, and one crew member. The helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 5:10 AM and landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 5:18 AM. It departed again at 5:19 AM for its return journey to Guptkashi but reportedly crashed near Gaurikund between 5:30 and 5:45 AM.
Preliminary findings suggest that the likely cause of the accident may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). This happens when an aircraft in good condition under complete control of the pilot is inadvertently flown into an obstacle. This is being surmised because the helicopter is believed to have flown despite poor visibility and dense cloud cover at the valley’s entry point. A detailed investigation is underway, and the exact cause will be determined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
What is the frequency of such helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand?
Sunday’s crash marks the fifth helicopter accident in Uttarakhand within a span of six weeks. The series of incidents began on May 8, when six people lost their lives in a crash in Uttarkashi. On May 12, a potential disaster was narrowly averted in Badrinath. Just days later, on May 17, an AIIMS Rishikesh air ambulance crashed in Kedarnath, though fortunately no casualties were reported. Most recently, on June 7, a helicopter en route to Kedarnath was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway after developing a technical snag during take-off, leaving the pilot injured.
In recent times in 2018, one person was killed in a crash near Kedarnath and again in 2022, seven people were killed in Kedarnath.
Who owns these helicopter companies?
Considered as one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimages, the Char Dham Yatra covers four high-altitude shrines: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, these sites open between April/May and October/November, drawing millions each year despite the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. To avoid time consuming roads, pilgrims take air routes.
Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) annually awards contracts for helicopter shuttle services to key pilgrimage sites, including Kedarnath, through a competitive bidding process. This year, nine operators were selected to operate shuttle services on the route. There are 15 for chartered chopper service on the route.
Is there adequate air traffic infrastructure, such as radars, in that area?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the establishment of a centralised command and coordination centre in Dehradun to oversee real-time helicopter operations across the state—an institutional mechanism that was previously lacking. “The centralised command and coordination centre will include representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the disaster management department, civil aviation ministry, Uttarakhand civil aviation development authority and private heli operator companies,” chief minister said. He added that safety of citizens is the top priority and no compromises will be tolerated.
Experts point to an overburdened aviation infrastructure and emphasise the need for automatic weather stations at all four Himalayan shrines of the Char Dham pilgrimage to aid pilots in navigating adverse weather conditions. “ A mechanism to enforce strict action against safety violations is considered crucial,” said Amogh Panwar, tourism expert in Uttarakhand.
Who regulates these helicopter operators?
Aviation safety regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).
Are there rules to check the condition of the aircraft before every flight?
Flight operations from helicopter landing areas are restricted to day period only. This is taken as the period 20 min before sunrise to 20 min after sunset. Prior to any flight, every aircraft movement is required to obtain flight plan clearance, receive meteorological and ATC briefing by the pilots and pre-flight breathanalyzer check for the crew at the first departure point of the day.
What action has the government taken after the accident on Sunday?
The chopper services were suspended on Sunday due to the accident. The Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) added that the frequency of helicopter operations at Char Dham would be reduced as precautionary measures. DGCA is also carrying out enhanced surveillance and operational reviews. Meanwhile helicopter services for Kedarnath Dham will resume today, CEO of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority, Sonika, told ANI on Tuesday, “Heli operations have resumed today. As the weather is not favourable currently, flying has not resumed yet. But as soon as we get clear weather, flying will resume.”