Uttarkashi, India — July 16, 2025: In a tragic development, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB) has confirmed that the deadly helicopter crash in Uttarkashi on May 8, which claimed the lives of six individuals, occurred due to a collision with an overhead fibre cable during an emergency landing attempt.
The helicopter — a BELL 407, registered as VT-OXF and operated by Aero Trans Service Private Limited — was on a Char Dham Yatra charter flight. According to the AIIB’s preliminary report, the pilot was attempting an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway when the main rotor struck a fibre optic cable, leading to a catastrophic crash.
Timeline of the Incident
The ill-fated helicopter took off from Kharsali helipad at 08:11 IST, with six passengers and a single pilot onboard. It had been assigned a cruising altitude of 10,500 ft AMSL, and about 20 minutes into the flight, the pilot initiated a descent due to unspecified complications.
While descending, the helicopter attempted to land on NH-34 near Gangnani. Unfortunately, during the descent, its main rotor blade hit an overhead cable, which ran parallel to the road, causing the aircraft to lose control.
The chopper then struck nearby metal barricades, tumbled down a steep slope, and finally came to rest against a tree nearly 250 feet into a gorge.
Condition of the Helicopter Before the Crash
According to the report, the aircraft was airworthy at the time of takeoff. A minor tail rotor skin defect was reported on May 3, 2025, but it was repaired and cleared for service by May 7. The last full inspection of the aircraft was completed on April 25, 2025, and all documentation was up to date.
“The BELL 407 helicopter was manufactured in 2008… The last scheduled inspection was carried out on April 25, 2025,” the AIIB stated.
Charter Flight with a Tragic End
The passengers, who had chartered the helicopter from Ahmedabad, were reportedly part of a religious pilgrimage for the Char Dham Yatra, a sacred Hindu journey to the high-altitude shrines in Uttarakhand.
Visuals and Aftermath
Shocking visuals from the crash site showed twisted metal, torn seats, and a mangled fuselage — a grim reminder of the impact. Emergency responders had to navigate through rugged terrain to reach the gorge and recover the bodies.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured that a full investigation is underway and that no compromise will be made on aviation safety, especially in mountainous pilgrimage routes.
Gaurikund Helicopter Crash: A Grim Reminder of Safety Gaps
In a disturbing pattern of helicopter mishaps in Uttarakhand, another crash occurred on June 15 near Gaurikund, killing all seven passengers, including a two-year-old child.
This helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, was flying from Shri Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi when it crashed near Gauri Mai Khark, about 5 km from Gaurikund. Zero visibility due to bad weather was cited as the probable cause of this crash.
Victims from Across India
The passengers hailed from various parts of India — Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. A family from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, including a couple and their child, was among the victims.
The AIIB has launched an investigation into this second crash as well, raising questions about weather preparedness, pilot training, and navigation protocols in these high-risk zones.
Repeated Crashes Spark National Concerns
The Char Dham Yatra, while deeply spiritual, often takes place under harsh weather conditions in treacherous terrains. The recent series of crashes has ignited public outcry and demand for tighter regulations.
From aviation experts to grieving families, there’s growing concern that commercial priorities are overshadowing safety standards in these critical air routes.
What’s Next?
- The AIIB continues to collect evidence and collaborate with international aviation advisors.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reviewing existing protocols for flights operating in the Char Dham region.
- Industry stakeholders are calling for installation of hazard-mapping systems and terrain awareness technologies onboard all pilgrimage-route helicopters.
These tragic crashes in Uttarakhand serve as stark reminders of the fragility of life and the pressing need for better aviation safety standards in India’s mountainous regions. The Char Dham Yatra is meant to offer spiritual solace — not become a journey fraught with fatal risks.
As investigations continue, grieving families and concerned citizens await answers — and most importantly, action that ensures no such tragedy repeats.