Uttarkashi helicopter crash: AAIB report says pilot tried emergency landing

NEW DELHI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary study connected the chopper clang that occurred adjacent Gangnani successful Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, connected May 8, 2025.

The mishap progressive a BELL 407 chopper operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt Ltd. The clang resulted successful the decease of six people, including the pilot, and near 1 idiosyncratic earnestly injured. Among the deceased were 5 women pilgrims who were connected their mode to the Gangotri temple. According to the AAIB report, the chopper began descending from its assigned altitude astir 20 minutes aft takeoff. The aviator attempted an exigency landing connected the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway but was unsuccessful.

During the landing attempt, the helicopter’s main rotor struck an overhead fibre cablegram moving alongside the road, starring to the crash.

The pilot, who was among those fatally injured, was 59 years aged and had 6,160 hours of flying experience, the study stated. The AAIB besides noted, "The NTSB, USA & the TSB, Canada person appointed Accredited Representative & Technical Advisors for this investigation. The probe squad is coordinating with them for further people of enactment required to find retired the basal cause(s)." It added that a method advisor from Rolls-Royce had travelled to India to assistance with motor and powerplant-related activities. The past scheduled inspections of the chopper were conducted connected April 25, 2025, the study said. The probe is ongoing to find the origin of the crash.