Thursday | Jun 19 2025 | 05:02:28 AM
New Delhi, June 16
A helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in Uttarakhand’s Gaurikund forest area killing all seven people on board, including the pilot.
The helicopter was flying from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi. This marks the fifth helicopter crash in Uttarakhand in just six weeks.
Those on board the ill-fated helicopter included pilot Rajveer, Vikram Rawat, Vinod, Trishti Singh, Rajkumar, Shraddha, and 10-year-old Rashi.
The helicopter took off at 5.17 am for Guptkashi after picking up passengers from Kedarnath. Poor visibility and harsh weather likely contributed to the crash, officials claimed.
Joint operations were carried out by the SDRF, NDRF, and local police.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed grief over the incident. He said, "This morning, a helicopter crashed due to bad weather. I pray to God for those who lost their lives. An emergency meeting has been called immediately, in which instructions have been given that the rules of our DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) should not be violated.
He added that pilots operating in the upper Himalayan region must have prior experience flying in these conditions and that aviation companies must ensure this requirement is met.
Meanwhile, two helicopters belonging to TransBharat Aviation were found to have been airborne under unsuitable weather conditions. The licences of both pilots were suspended for six months.
A high-level committee already investigating previous helicopter accidents in Uttarakhand will also probe this crash. The panel will examine all aspects of recent incidents, identify any lapses, and recommend strict action against those found responsible.
