Helicopter crashes in Uttarakhand over the years: A timeline

NDRF and SDRF personnel at the spot after a helicopter crashed near the Kedarnath shrine, in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand on June 15, 2025 | Photo Credit: Photo: X/@uksdrf via PTI

Following the fatal Ahmedabad Air India crash, which claimed lives of 241 passengers onboard, another shocking air-related incident came to light today (June 15, 2025), where at least seven people lost their lives as the helicopter flying them from the Kedarnath temple to Guptkashi in Uttarakhand crashed in a forest. This is the fifth helicopter accident in Uttarakhand in around 40 days.

Reports suggest that the seven victims in the Aryan Aviation Helicopter crash included the pilot and the chopper crashed between Gaurikund and Sonprayag during its 10-minute ride.

According to a statement issued by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), all the seven people onboard were charred to death in the incident which occurred around 5:20 am in the morning on June 15, 2025.

Over the years, owing to weather circumstances, pilgrims rush and topographical challenges, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand has witnessed a series of helicopter crashes. The hill state has become a hotbed for chopper-related tragedies and today’s incident occurred above the Gaurikund forest area amid poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions, stated Nandan Singh Rajwar, District Disaster Management Officer of Rudraprayag.

The fatal crash reminds us of the recent aviation mishaps related to helicopters in the Uttarakhand and Char Dham region where passengers are ferried routinely.

A look at helicopter crashes: A timeline

June 7, 2025

A helicopter carrying five passengers in Uttarakhand made an emergency landing on a highway on June 7, 2025. The aircraft, operated by Kestrel Aviation Private Limited, was on its way from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand when the incident occurred. The helicopter encountered a technical issue during take-off when the collective control became stuck. Acting swiftly, pilot Captain RPS Sodhi managed to land the aircraft safely on the highway next to the helipad, preventing any potential mishaps.

May 17, 2025

In a string of helicopter-related incidents, an air ambulance helicopter made an emergency landing in Kedarnath due to a technical snag. The ‘Sanjeevani’ helicopter ambulance reportedly suffered a malfunction in its tail rotor, leading to difficulties in landing. However, the passengers onboard were left unhurt.

May 8, 2025

Six people, including the pilot, lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. The chopper was en route from Dehradun to the Harsil helipad at the time of the incident. Among the deceased were five female tourists. The Bell 407 helicopter crashed into a hillside following weather changes.

October 16, 2024

A helicopter carrying Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar was forced to make an emergency landing in Ralam village near Munsiyari due to poor weather conditions and low visibility. The chopper, en route to the Milam Glacier, landed safely around 1:30 PM. Onboard were three officials, including the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Uttarakhand. All passengers were reported safe and waited for weather clearance to resume their journey.

October 18, 2022

A helicopter crash in Kedarnath claimed the lives of six devotees along with the pilot. In the wake of the tragedy, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to set up an air traffic control system in the region to enhance oversight of helicopter operations. During the Char Dham Yatra season, the Kedarnath area sees an average of 400 helicopter sorties per day.

DGCA intervention and other security steps

Following multiple helicopter-related incidents in and around Uttarakhand following technical failures, emergency landings, and fatal crashes due to mechanical issues or adverse weather, safety audits has been initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and is also reviewing the necessity of curtailing helicopter operations to Char Dham if required.

Furthermore, the operators have been asked to submit updated safety protocols, weather readiness reports, and maintenance logs in order to keep a check on air-related mishaps.

Published - June 15, 2025 12:48 pm IST