Helicopter En Route Kedarnath Makes Emergency Landing in Uttarakhand
A helicopter en route to Kedarnath made a safe emergency landing in Guptkashi due to a technical fault. All passengers are safe. DGCA has been informed; other shuttle services remain unaffected.
A private helicopter en route to the revered Kedarnath Dham was forced to make an emergency landing in Guptkashi, located in the Rudraprayag district, due to a technical fault on Saturday. Fortunately, all passengers on board are reported safe, according to Uttarakhand Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order, Dr. V. Murugeshan.
The incident involved a helicopter operated by Crestel Aviation Private Limited, which was flying from Sirsi towards Kedarnath with passengers onboard. In light of the technical issue, the pilot opted for a precautionary landing on a nearby road rather than attempting to reach the designated helipad. The decision was taken as a safety measure and was executed without incident.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | A private helicopter en route to Kedarnath Dham made an emergency landing in Guptkashi of Rudraprayag district due to a technical fault. All the people on board the helicopter are safe: Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order Dr V Murugeshan
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025
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“There is no report of any casualty. All safety protocols were followed, and the situation was handled professionally,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed about the incident, and necessary procedures are being followed. Officials are expected to conduct an investigation into the cause of the technical failure.
Meanwhile, shuttle operations to Kedarnath are continuing as per schedule, with no disruption to other helicopter services in the area.
Statement From DGCA
DGCA Shares Details on Emergency Helicopter Landing in Uttarakhand
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released preliminary information regarding the emergency landing of a Kestrel Aviation helicopter (AW119, Registration VT-RNK) on a Uttarakhand highway earlier today.
According to the report, the helicopter, piloted by Capt. RPS Sodhi, took off from the Badasu (Sirsi) helipad at 12:52 PM. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a suspected issue with the collective control getting stuck. In response, he carried out a controlled hard landing on the road near the Bharasu helipad, directly below the takeoff point.
All passengers on board were reported safe and unharmed. However, the pilot has been taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation after complaining of back pain.
A team from the DGCA’s Directorate of Air Safety (Northern Region) has been dispatched for an on-site investigation to assess the incident.
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