Subhechcha Ganguly 
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report on the May 8 helicopter crash in Uttarkashi, revealed that the chopper’s main rotor blade struck an overhead fibre cable during an attempted emergency landing, causing it to crash and tumble into a gorge. All six onboard were killed.
The Bell 407 helicopter, operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt Ltd, was flying from Kharsali (Yamunotri) to Jhala (Gangotri) when it went down near the Gangnani area around 8:35 AM. According to the report, the helicopter had been in the air for about 20 minutes before it began descending from its designated altitude.
The 59-year-old pilot, with over 6,000 hours of flying experience, aimed to land on the Uttarkashi–Gangotri road, but the rotor hit a cable running parallel to the route. The aircraft then crashed down the hillside and came to rest roughly 250 feet into a gorge.
The AAIB said U.S. and Canadian air safety agencies—NTSB and TSB—have joined the investigation, which is ongoing. Relevant flight data and records from stakeholders are currently under scrutiny.
This crash was one of five helicopter-related incidents reported along the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit within a span of six weeks. The most recent occurred on June 15 in Kedarnath, killing all seven passengers, including a toddler.
In response to rising concerns, the Uttarakhand government has formed a committee led by Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations in the state. The panel will submit its recommendations by August 15.
Meanwhile, another safety breach came to light after a Heritage Aviation chopper took off for Kedarnath from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara helipad on July 14, ignoring adverse weather warnings. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has ordered an investigation into the incident.
