Tragic Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Claims 7 Lives Near Gaurikund (Images)
On June 15, 2025, an Aryan Aviation Bell-407 helicopter carrying seven individuals—including five adult pilgrims, a two-year-old child, a temple committee staff member, and the pilot—crashed in Uttarakhand’s rugged terrain between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan, while returning from Kedarnath Dham toward Guptkashi. The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 AM, shortly after takeoff.
Casualties & Immediate Aftermath
All seven occupants perished, including the pilot, identified as Captain Rajbeer Singh Chauhan, a 15-year Indian Army veteran. Among the deceased were pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, including a toddler from Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district.
The chopper caught fire upon impact; unfortunately, all crew and passengers were incinerated, leaving no survivors. Emergency personnel from NDRF, SDRF, and Uttarakhand Police were dispatched and recovered the bodies from a remote forested area above Gauri Mai Khark.
Likely Cause: Weather Conditions
Officials suggest that poor visibility and dense fog in the treacherous Himalayan terrain were major factors contributing to the crash and the loss of the pilot’s visual reference.
Frequent Incidents Raise Alarm
This marks the fifth helicopter tragedy in Uttarakhand since early May, including major crashes in Uttarkashi and an emergency highway landing from Kedarnath that fortunately had no fatalities. These repeated incidents have prompted urgent scrutiny of air safety protocols.
Official Response & Actions
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound sorrow, confirmed the recovery of all bodies, and ordered a halt to helicopter services for two days while tasking the DGCA and UCADA with preparing rigorous SOPs, mandating weather checks and regional flying experience for pilots.
Investigations are underway by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA, focusing on flight logs, weather data, and eyewitness accounts.
DGCA precautionary measures have included frequency halts of Char Dham helicopter operations and enhanced oversight of high-altitude flights.
What Comes Next
An official AAIB report is expected, outlining the crash’s cause and recommendations. Helicopter services remain suspended, pending clear safety assurances. State authorities are expected to review and enforce stricter norms for Himalayan flights, including advanced weather monitoring and pilot qualifications.
Why It Matters
Helicopter services are vital for pilgrims visiting difficult terrains like Kedarnath. However, unacceptable safety failures continue to claim lives. This tragedy exposes systemic vulnerabilities in high-altitude civil aviation and demands swift action to safeguard pilgrims during peak seasons.