Helicopter Crash Near Gaurikund: Seven Killed En Route from Kedarnath to Dehradun
A tragic helicopter crash occurred on the morning of June 15, 2025, near Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The helicopter, carrying pilgrims returning from Kedarnath to Dehradun, crashed shortly after takeoff. All seven people onboard — six pilgrims and the pilot — died in the incident.
Key Incident Facts:
Date: June 15, 2025
Route: Kedarnath to Dehradun (via Guptkashi)
Location of Crash: Near Gaurikund, Rudraprayag
Aircraft Type: Bell 407
Operator: Aryan Aviation
Fatalities: 7 (6 passengers, 1 pilot)
Cause: Suspected poor visibility and adverse weather conditions
Eyewitnesses and officials reported that the helicopter lost control minutes after takeoff from the Kedarnath helipad. The wreckage was found in a forested area near Gaurikund, approximately 5.5 kilometers from the helipad.
Safety Concerns Raised Again in Char Dham Region
This incident has once again highlighted the dangers of aviation in the Himalayan terrain, especially during the annual Char Dham Yatra season. The region is prone to unpredictable weather patterns and low visibility, making it a challenging route for pilots.
Despite previous warnings from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding helipad safety, outdated equipment, and non-compliance with standard aviation procedures, many operators continue to fly under high-risk conditions.
Government and DGCA Response
Following the crash:
Helicopter services in the Kedarnath region have been temporarily suspended.
A high-level investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.
The DGCA has mandated a safety audit of all charter operators in the Char Dham region.
The Uttarakhand government has called an emergency meeting to review aviation protocols and infrastructure.
Calls for Regulatory Reform
Experts and civil aviation authorities are urging for:
Stricter weather clearance requirements
Installation of real-time GPS and terrain warning systems
Regular pilot re-certification for high-altitude flying
Improvements to helipad conditions across Kedarnath and nearby zones
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What caused the helicopter crash near Gaurikund?
A1: Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility due to adverse weather may have contributed to the crash.
Q2: How many people were onboard the helicopter?
A2: There were seven people onboard — six pilgrims and one pilot.
Q3: Which company operated the helicopter?
A3: The flight was operated by Aryan Aviation, a private operator servicing Char Dham routes.
Q4: What is being done in response to the crash?
A4: Helicopter services in the Kedarnath region have been suspended, and a full investigation is underway by DGCA and state authorities.
Q5: Has this type of incident happened before in the Kedarnath region?
A5: Yes. The area has a history of aviation accidents due to challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. A major crash in 2013 also resulted in multiple fatalities.
Published on: June 15, 2025
Uploaded by: PAVAN
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