Uttarkashi Helicopter Crash: 5 Dead in Helicopter Crash Near Uttarkashi’s Gangnani, AAIB to Probe

Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand — May 8, 2025:
Uttarkashi Helicopter Crash: In a heartbreaking incident that has cast a shadow over the Char Dham Yatra season, a private helicopter en route to the Gangotri shrine crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi, killing five people and injuring two others early Thursday morning.

According to officials, the AeroTrans Services Private Limited Bell helicopter took off from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun and was headed toward Kharsali helipad in Yamunotri. Around 8:45 AM, tragedy struck when the chopper plunged into a deep gorge—estimated to be between 200 to 250 meters—off the Rishikesh-Gangotri National Highway.

The aircraft was carrying seven passengers, including the pilot, Captain Robin Singh, who was among those killed in the crash. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) confirmed that four of the deceased were from Mumbai, while two hailed from Andhra Pradesh.

Eyewitnesses Describe a Sudden Tragedy

Locals in the area reported hearing a loud noise before spotting smoke rising from the gorge. Rescue operations were launched swiftly by SDRF teams, who trekked down the rocky terrain to pull out survivors and bodies.

“The terrain was extremely difficult, and we had to act fast. Unfortunately, five lives couldn’t be saved,” an SDRF official stated.

Government’s Immediate Response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Taking to social media and official channels, he stated:

“I am deeply pained by the tragic helicopter crash in Uttarkashi. My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. I have directed the administration to provide immediate medical care to the injured and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.”

AAIB to Lead Investigation into the Crash

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau http://ptinews.com(AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will conduct a detailed probe into the cause of the crash. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website, AeroTrans Services operates two Bell helicopters and a Cessna aircraft. The helicopter involved in this accident was one of their Bell models.

The AAIB is tasked with not just classifying aircraft safety incidents but also recommending preventive measures. An AAIB official confirmed that investigators have been dispatched to the crash site and that flight data, maintenance logs, and pilot credentials will be thoroughly examined.

Char Dham Yatra Concerns Rise

The tragic helicopter crash has raised fresh safety concerns amid the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage that draws thousands of devotees to Uttarakhand’s remote shrines. With rugged terrains and volatile weather, aviation risks remain a major challenge in the Himalayan region.

As families mourn the loss of their loved ones and two survivors battle for recovery, this incident is a grim reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude aviation. While the cause of the crash is yet to be formally established, calls for stricter safety audits and pilot training programs are echoing across the aviation and pilgrimage sectors alike.