06/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/15/2025 04:19
Aryan Aviation's Bell 407 helicopter (Reg. VT-BKA), operating the sector "Shri Kedarnath Ji - Aryan Helipad, Guptkashi," was involved in a tragic accident today. There were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member on board.
The helicopter took off from Guptkashi at 05:10 Hrs and landed at Shri Kedarnath Ji Helipad at 05:18 Hrs. It departed again at 05:19 Hrs for Guptkashi and is reported to have crashed near Gaurikund between 05:30-05:45 Hrs.
Preliminary indications suggest that the probable cause may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with the helicopter reportedly airborne despite poor visibility and extensive clouding at the valley entry area. The exact cause will be determined through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are currently underway at the crash site.
Following the incident, a high-level meeting was convened by Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami at 11:00 Hrs, attended by senior officials of the Government of Uttarakhand, Secretary (Civil Aviation), DGCA, and associated teams. The following immediate actions have been taken:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has reiterated aviation safety is non-negotiable and that no operator should undertake flights in violation of weather-related and other protocols. The Ministry has issued strict instructions to DGCA to enforce all extant provisions with full authority and to ensure that discipline in flying operations is maintained at all costs, given the sanctity of human life.
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Sanjay Roy/Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar