Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: Managers Booked for Negligence

Rudraprayag : A tragic helicopter crash in Rudraprayag’s Gaurimai Khark, near Kedarnath, has resulted in the deaths of seven people, including the pilot. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Heli Aviation, was returning from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it collided with a tree due to poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions. However, deeper investigations have revealed that negligence by the aviation company may have contributed significantly to the crash.

According to the revenue sub-inspector of Fata, a case has been filed at the Sonprayag Police Station against two key managers of Aryan Heli Aviation. The complaint alleges that the company ignored strict aviation norms issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). The helicopter had been allotted a flight slot between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, but the aircraft took off prematurely at 5:11 AM. The crash occurred shortly afterward at 5:24 AM during its return journey from Kedarnath.

The First Information Report (FIR) holds Aryan Aviation’s base manager Vikas Tomar and accountable manager Kaushik Pathak directly responsible for the incident. Authorities have invoked provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC 28/2025, Section 105), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, and Section 10 of the Aircraft Act of 1934. The police confirmed that after registering the case, further legal action is already underway.

Although initial reports had suggested bad weather as the primary cause of the crash, the latest revelations highlight a disregard for flight protocols. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by DGCA and UCADA clearly state that flights must adhere to their designated slots to ensure safety, particularly in hilly terrains with unpredictable weather. Eyewitnesses and relatives of the victims also claimed that the helicopter appeared to lose control mid-air, tilted, and veered backward before crashing.

This incident has raised serious questions about helicopter operations in the Kedarnath region, which is frequented by thousands of pilgrims every year. Calls for stricter monitoring and real-time weather assessments are growing, with demands for punitive action against those responsible for negligence that led to such a significant loss of life.