Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Pilot's Last Words Before Kedarnath Crash
A helicopter crashed near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, killing everyone on board.
The pilot had reported seeing clouds and losing visibility just before the crash.
The helicopter was on its way from Kedarnath to Guptkashi.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the accident.
The weather information tool at the helipad does not provide details about clouds, which might have contributed to the incident.
The aviation regulator has since updated safety measures for flights in the region.
The pilot of the Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA) reported seeing clouds and losing visibility before the crash.
The helicopter crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand on June 15 at 5:35 AM, killing all seven people on board.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash with help from the US and Canadian authorities.
The weather information tool at the helipad does not provide details about clouds, which were present at the time of the crash.
The aviation regulator DGCA has updated safety measures for Char Dham operations, including Kedarnath shuttle flights, following the accident.
- Who
- Pilot and six passengers (five people and an infant) on board the Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA) operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd.
- What
- The helicopter crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, killing all seven people on board.
- When
- The crash occurred on June 15 at 5:35 AM.
- Where
- The crash happened near Gaurikund in the Kedarnath valley, Uttarakhand.
- Why
- The pilot reported seeing clouds at the valley exit point and subsequently lost visibility, leading to the crash.
- Helicopter Model
- Bell 407 (VT-BKA)
- Date of Crash
- June 15
- Time of Crash
- 5:35 AM
- Location of Crash
- Near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand
- Number of Fatalities
- 7 (including pilot, five people, and an infant)
- Helicopter Operator
- Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd
- Investigating Bodies
- AAIB, NTSB, TSB
- Weather Information Tool
- Automated Weather Instrument (AWI)