🚁 Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: Key Facts & Impact
On June 15, 2025, tragic news emerged from Uttarakhand: a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed near Gaurikund—just minutes after departing from Kedarnath en route to Guptkashi—due to severe fog and zero visibility. All seven on board—including the experienced pilot, five pilgrims, one child, and a temple staff member—were killed instantly
🛑 Aircraft Suspended, Pilots Punished
In immediate response:
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation suspended Aryan Aviation’s Char Dham helicopter operations, along with all similar services in the region for two days (June 15–16), citing safety concerns
- Two TransBharat Aviation pilots—Yogesh Grewal and Jitender Harjai—had their licenses revoked for six months after flying in comparable low-visibility conditions
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) were directed to beef up oversight in the region
🌫️ What Caused It
Preliminary findings identify Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) as the likely cause: the aircraft, under pilot control, collided with terrain during flight in poor weather conditions. Dense fog in the narrow Kedarghati valley limited visibility and reduced maneuverability
⚙️ Safety Overhaul Underway
State and federal authorities have taken swift action:
- Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami called an emergency meeting, ordering a “strict SOP” framework, mandatory technical checks, real-time weather updates, and a specialized command center in Dehradun
- A technical expert committee will also review prior helicopter incidents and recommend systemic reforms to improve safety on the Char Dham route
⚖️ Legal Accountability
A formal case has been registered against Aryan Aviation officials Kaushik Pathak and Vikas Tomar under multiple sections of Indian aviation law. The investigation will assess managerial responsibility and adherence to safety protocols
🔍 Why It Matters
- This marks the fifth helicopter fatality along the Char Dham pilgrimage corridor in just six weeks, underscoring persistent safety gaps business-
- Coming just days after the Air India Dreamliner disaster in Ahmedabad, the events have heightened scrutiny on aviation safety standards in India
The best Shop Online For all Items Click Here
See Best Diamonds In Instagram Follow
Watch this Video newest in politics Watch Now
