The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will investigate the crash of a helicopter near the Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand this morning, resulting in the death of seven people. The helicopter was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi with six passengers and one crew member on board.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said, the helicopter took off from Shri Kedarnath ji at 5:19 this morning for Guptkashi and crashed near Gaurikund. As a precautionary measure, DGCA has already reduced the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham. It is carrying out the enhanced surveillance and reviewing the operation for any further action.
Following the incident, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami today convened a high-level meeting, attended by Secretary (Civil Aviation), DGCA, and associated teams. During the meeting, it was decided that all charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region will be suspended till tomorrow as a safety precaution. Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority has been directed to hold a comprehensive review with all operators and pilots before any resumption of services, to ensure full alignment with safety protocols. The authority will also establish a dedicated Command-and-Control Room to monitor real-time operations and ensure immediate escalation of any risk indicators.
Civil Aviation Ministry has reiterated that aviation safety is non-negotiable and 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.
