1. Crash Details
A Bell-407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed shortly after taking off from Kedarnath, en route to Guptkashi. The crash occurred in a remote area with poor visibility due to dense fog. All seven individuals on board, including the pilot and five passengers, tragically lost their lives. economictimes.indiatimes.com+10apnews.com+10reuters.com+10hindustantimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1
2. Regulatory Actions
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Suspension of Operations: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended Aryan Aviation’s operations for the Char Dham Yatra with immediate effect. This decision aims to ensure safety and prevent further incidents during the pilgrimage season. economictimes.indiatimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1reuters.com+2apnews.com+2economictimes.indiatimes.com+2
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Revocation of Pilot Licenses: The licenses of two pilots associated with the crash have been revoked for six months. This action underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the incident. hindustantimes.com+3hindustantimes.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3
3. Investigation and Findings
Preliminary investigations suggest that poor weather conditions, including low visibility, contributed to the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) teams are conducting a thorough probe to determine the exact cause. economictimes.indiatimes.comhindustantimes.com+3telegraphindia.com+3livemint.com+3
4. Operator’s History
Aryan Aviation has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past. In June 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation fined the company ₹5 lakh for violations such as non-adherence to maintenance schedules and discrepancies in flight records. telegraphindia.com+2hindustantimes.com+2economictimes.indiatimes.com+2
5. Government Response
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a two-day suspension of helicopter services in the region. Additionally, he has called for the establishment of a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations to enhance safety measures. thehindu.com+2reuters.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This incident highlights the critical need for stringent safety protocols and vigilant oversight in high-risk aviation operations, especially in challenging terrains like the Kedarnath region.
