The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report regarding the helicopter crash that occurred on May 8, 2025, near Gangnani in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The crash involved a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt Ltd. The accident resulted in the deaths of all six people on board, including the pilot. Among the deceased were five pilgrims who were on their way to the Gangotri temple. One person sustained serious injuries.
According to the AAIB's preliminary findings, the helicopter began descending from its assigned altitude approximately 20 minutes after takeoff. The pilot attempted an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway (NH 34). During the landing attempt, the helicopter's main rotor struck an overhead fiber cable running alongside the road, leading to the crash. The impact also damaged nearby metal barricades before the helicopter tumbled down a steep slope, eventually coming to rest against a tree approximately 250 feet into a gorge.
The pilot, who was among those fatally injured, was 59 years old and had 6,160 hours of flying experience. The helicopter, registered as VT-OXF, had undergone its last scheduled inspections on April 25, 2025. The purpose of the flight was a chartered Char Dham Yatra. The flight was planned to be operated by another pilot, but this pilot was flying instead. The assigned flight level for the sector was 10,500 feet AMSL. The helicopter took off from Kharsali helipad at 8:11 am. The crash occurred around 8:35 am.
Witnesses reported hearing strange noises emanating from the helicopter before the crash. One local resident, Govind Rana, said the helicopter was making unusual sounds near Garamkund. Villagers reported seeing the helicopter "disbalancing" before it crashed between Huri and Bhangeli villages. Rescue operations were immediately launched, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and police personnel working to recover the bodies and assist the injured.
The AAIB has stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause(s) of the accident. The NTSB (USA) and the TSB (Canada) have appointed Accredited Representatives & Technical Advisors for this investigation. A technical advisor from Rolls-Royce has also traveled to India to assist with engine and powerplant-related activities. The AAIB is responsible for classifying safety occurrences involving aircraft operating in Indian airspace and carries out detailed investigations into accidents and suggests measures to improve safety.
This accident is one of several helicopter incidents that have occurred in Uttarakhand in recent years. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of helicopter operations in the region, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season. Factors such as inclement weather, technical issues, and adherence to safety protocols have been identified as potential causes of these accidents. In light of these repeated incidents, there are growing calls for stricter safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.
