The tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand on Sunday, June 15, 2025, claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including the pilot, Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan. The incident has brought into sharp focus the risks associated with helicopter operations in the challenging terrain of the Char Dham Yatra region.
Captain Chauhan, a resident of Jaipur, was an Indian Army veteran with over 15 years of service. His experience included flying missions across diverse and difficult terrains. According to his LinkedIn profile, Captain Chauhan's role in the army "involved operations planning and executing flying missions over daunting terrains that few would navigate." He also highlighted his leadership in initiatives impacting remote communities, including constructing a primary school and establishing a healthcare center. He had over 2,000 hours of flying experience with the Indian Army. He began flying the Bell 407 helicopter in October.
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore expressed his condolences, acknowledging Captain Chauhan's service and sacrifice. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also conveyed his sorrow, extending his condolences to the bereaved families.
The helicopter, belonging to Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed in the forests of Gaurikund. Preliminary investigations suggest that poor weather conditions and low visibility were contributing factors. Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar indicated that the crash occurred amidst dense fog, which severely limited the pilot's visibility and likely led to a loss of control. The narrow, mountainous terrain further complicated the situation, reducing room for maneuvering.
In response to the accident, the Uttarakhand government has initiated measures to enhance the safety of helicopter operations in the region. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts to review existing protocols and formulate a stricter Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter services. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also reduced the frequency of helicopter operations to Char Dham and is conducting enhanced surveillance and reviewing operations for any further action. Helicopter services operating in the Char Dham region have been suspended until further notice.
The crash is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The other deceased included pilgrims from various parts of India, including a family from Maharashtra.
