Kedarnath, Uttarakhand – June 15, 2025
A routine helicopter journey turned into a heartbreaking disaster on Sunday morning when a chopper ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed just minutes after takeoff. All seven people onboard, including the pilot and a young child, lost their lives in the tragic incident.

The crash took place near Gaurikund, close to the sacred Kedarnath temple. Eyewitnesses reported that dense early morning fog had reduced visibility significantly. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, reportedly lost altitude and collided with the hillside before catching fire.

One of the victims was Lt. Col (Retd) Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a former army pilot from Jaipur, who had only recently started flying commercially. His death has struck a chord across the country, especially as he was a father to twin babies born just months ago.

What Caused the Crash?

Initial reports suggest poor visibility and bad weather as the primary reasons behind the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is now investigating, while all Aryan Aviation flights have been temporarily suspended on the Kedarnath route.

This incident marks the fifth helicopter accident in the region in just over two months, raising serious concerns about the safety of air services used during the Char Dham Yatra.

A Wake-Up Call for Helicopter Safety

The Kedarnath helicopter accident is a painful reminder of the challenges faced by pilots flying in the rugged and unpredictable Himalayan terrain. Pilgrimage routes must be monitored more carefully, with stricter weather guidelines, radar support, and better real-time communication to avoid such devastating losses in the future.