Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: DGCA Launches Investigation as Operations Halted
Kedarnath Helicopter Incident Overview
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Sunday that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct an inquiry into the helicopter crash in Kedarnath. As a safety measure, the DGCA has decreased the frequency of helicopter flights to Char Dham and is enhancing monitoring of operations to determine any necessary actions. Tragically, a helicopter crashed in Gaurikund on Sunday morning while en route to Kedarnath, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, which included five passengers and one crew member, as confirmed by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The DGCA reported, “The Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter, registered as VT-BKA, was operating a flight from Shri Kedarnath ji to Aryan Helipad in Guptkanshi when the accident occurred. The helicopter took off at 05:19 hours and crashed near Gaurikund. In light of this incident, the DGCA has already reduced helicopter operations to Char Dham and is conducting thorough surveillance and reviewing the situation for further measures. The AAIB will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
Uttarakhand helicopter crash | Today, Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter VT-BKA operating flight on sector Shri Kedarnath ji- Aryan Helipad, Guptkanshi, was involved in an accident. There were five passengers, one infant and one crew member on board. The helicopter took off at… pic.twitter.com/89bUh1alEe
— News Media (@NewsMedia) June 15, 2025
Recent reports indicate that Vikram Rawat, a 47-year-old employee of the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), was among the deceased in this tragic incident. Harish Gaur, spokesperson for the committee, confirmed the news and expressed condolences.
A 47-year-old BKTC employee, Vikram Rawat died in the Uttarakhand helicopter crash. The employees gathered at all the offices of the temple committee and expressed condolences: Shri Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee spokesperson, Harish Gaur
— News Media (@NewsMedia) June 15, 2025
(Pic 1- deceased Vikram Rawat) pic.twitter.com/j25AH0LfcL
In the meantime, Sonika, the CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), stated that all shuttle services have been suspended due to the current weather conditions.
“Given that rescue operations are ongoing and considering the weather in the valley, we have halted our shuttle services. Nearly all helicopters are currently engaged in rescue efforts. The District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police will also arrive at the site shortly,” Sonika informed.