Fifth Helicopter Crash Hits Kedarnath Route
On 15?June?2025, a Bell?407 chopper from Aryan Aviation crashed near Gaurikund at 05:20?am, killing all seven onboard—including a toddler and a retired Lt.?Col.
The Chota Char Dham Yatra—one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages—has taken a tragic turn this year. Between 8 May and 15 June 2025, five helicopter-related incidents have shaken Uttarakhand, including two fatal crashes. These accidents are raising serious concerns about safety in the tough Himalayan terrain.
On 15 June 2025, at 5:20 am, a Bell 407 helicopter from Aryan Aviation took off from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi. Minutes after takeoff, it crashed between Gaurikund and Sonprayag.
Sadly, all seven people on board died: the pilot, five adult pilgrims and a toddler (about 23 months old). The bodies were badly burned in the fire after the crash. Victims included a retired Lt. Col. Rajveer Singh Chauhan, an ex-Army pilot, a temple worker, a family of three from Maharashtra and pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
Early investigations say the crash happened due to bad weather and low visibility in the steep Himalayan region. Shockingly, this was the fifth helicopter incident in six weeks on the Kedarnath route. That includes two crashes and three emergency landings.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation suspended Aryan Aviation’s services for the Char Dham route. All helicopter flights in the area were stopped for two days. Only very experienced pilots are now allowed to fly here.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) stepped in to supervise operations. The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) launched a full investigation. An FIR has been filed against Aryan Aviation managers under the Aircraft Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for suspected negligence.
Authorities are now calling for urgent upgrades in the area such as Air Traffic Control (ATC), Radar systems, and Real-time weather monitoring. Right now, most flights operate using visual flying—which is risky in the mountains.
Here’s a quick look at the earlier accidents:
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8 May – Fatal Crash in Uttarkashi occurred where a helicopter going to Gangotri crashed into a gorge near Gangnani. 6 people died, 1 survived.
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12 May – Rotor Blade Strike at Badrinath occurred where a helicopter hit a parked vehicle while landing. No one was hurt.
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17 May – Due to a tail rotor problem, an AIIMS Rishikesh Heli-Ambulance, a medical helicopter crash-landed in Rudraprayag. All three on board survived.
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7 June – A helicopter from Guptkashi to Kedarnath made an emergency landing on a road. The pilot was slightly hurt, but passengers were safe.
As thousands of pilgrims continue their journey through the Himalayas, these repeated accidents have created fear and worry.
People are asking: Are we doing enough to keep this pilgrimage safe? Authorities must act quickly—before more lives are lost.
