Helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Kedarnath sector; Aryan Aviation's Char Dham operations suspended
On 15 June 2025 near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand's Kedarnath sector, an Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter flying from Shri Kedarnath Ji to Guptkashi crashed.
Summary
Aryan Aviation's Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA), flying from Shri Kedarnath Ji helipad to Guptkashi, crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand between 05:30 and 05:45 hrs on 15 June 2025 with five passengers, one infant and one crew member on board. The Civil Aviation Ministry said the probable cause may be Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) amid poor visibility, with the exact cause to be determined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Aryan Aviation's Char Dham Yatra operations were suspended, the licences of two TransBharat Aviation pilots who flew in similar weather were suspended for six months, and all charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region were halted on 15 and 16 June. UCADA was told to set up a Command-and-Control Room, and DGCA was directed to post officers to oversee helicopter activity in the Kedarnath valley.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- Aryan Aviation Bell 407, VT-BKA
- Route
- Shri Kedarnath Ji – Guptkashi; crashed near Gaurikund
- On board
- Five passengers, one infant, one crew member
- Probable cause
- Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT); AAIB to investigate
- Actions
- Aryan Aviation Char Dham operations suspended; region's charter/shuttle flights halted 15–16 June; UCADA control room
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which body will determine the exact cause of the helicopter accident near Gaurikund on 15 June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
PIB (Civil Aviation): the exact cause will be determined through a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Consider the following statements about the Kedarnath sector helicopter accident of 15 June 2025: 1. The preliminary indication of probable cause was Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). 2. All charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region were suspended on 15 and 16 June 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (Civil Aviation): preliminary indications suggest CFIT as the probable cause, and all charter and shuttle helicopter operations in the region were suspended on 15 and 16 June 2025. So both 1 and 2 are correct.
Whose operations for the Char Dham Yatra were suspended with immediate effect after the Kedarnath sector helicopter accident of 15 June 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Aryan Aviation
PIB (Civil Aviation): operations of Aryan Aviation, whose Bell 407 (VT-BKA) crashed, were suspended for the Char Dham Yatra with immediate effect.