A Bell 407 helicopter carrying seven people—six pilgrims and a 37-year-old veteran pilot—crashed near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, early on 15 June 2025. The aircraft was returning from the Kedarnath temple to Guptkashi, a routine high-altitude flight. Tragically, all aboard perished in the accident, and the aircraft engulfed in flames.
What Happened: Rapid Takeoff, Poor Visibility, Fatal Descent
- The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, took off at around 5:20 am. Just minutes later, it crashed at approximately 5:30 am in a forested area above Gaurikund amid dense fog.
- Conditions were reported as severe low visibility, a known hazard along the Char Dham Yatra aerial route.
- The aircraft burst into flames after impact, and all bodies were found badly burned.
Sad Farewells: Pilgrims and Pilot
- Among the deceased was Lt Col (Retd) Rajveer Singh Chouhan, 37, a former Army pilot from Jaipur. He leaves behind a wife—also an Army officer—and four-month-old twins.
- Pilgrims included families from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and a toddler. One family’s departure from Kedarnath on Father’s Day added emotional weight to their loss.
Alarming Trend: Fifth Chopper Crash This Season
- This tragedy marks the fifth helicopter accident and second fatal crash along Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath corridor since early May.
- A previous Bell 407 from Aryan Aviation made a forced emergency landing on a highway with no casualties—indicative of recurring technical risks.
🚨 Official Response: Suspensions and Safety Reviews
- The Civil Aviation Ministry has suspended Aryan Aviation’s operations along the Char Dham Yatra and initiated a probe—collecting the helicopter’s black box.
- The DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have launched a full investigation. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered tight scrutiny and mandated that only veteran pilots operate in the region.
Alternatives and Risks for Pilgrims
- In light of this crash, authorities recommend road travel or trekking, especially along the Gaurikund–Kedarnath trail, as a viable—albeit slower—alternative.
- Safety experts warn that unpredictable Himalayan pocket weather contributes significantly to flight risks.
High-Altitude Aviation Under the Lens
- Uttarakhand helicopter services have been repeatedly criticized for adhering poorly to DGCA safety norms, prompting fines in recent years for fake logbooks and maintenance breaches.
- With the arrival of monsoon season, weather unpredictability increases, amplifying the danger for helicopter operations.
What Comes Next
| In the Short Term | In the Long Term |
| Travel for Char Dham may shift to ground routes. | DGCA to overhaul standard operating procedures, pilot vetting, and visibility criteria. |
| Pilgrims urged to avoid early-morning flights. | Possible caps or rerouting of helicopter services to reduce crash risk. |
| Increased presence of rescue teams and military support on standby. | Stricter audits of helicopter operators and maintenance records. |
Final Word
The Kedarnath crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks of high-altitude helicopter flights. As families grieve and investigations unfold, the pressing question is whether India will enforce stronger safety frameworks—so future pilgrimages can continue without fear.
