On June 15, 2025, a Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in Uttarakhand’s Gaurikund forest near Kedarnath, killing all seven on board: the pilot, Captain Vikram Sethi, and six passengers, including a two-year-old child. The crash occurred at 2:20 pm, shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath, en route to Sirsi helipad. Eyewitnesses reported the helicopter losing control and crashing into a forested area, with no survivors found at the site.
BELL 407 Crash
Aryan Aviation Bell 407 helicopter crashed in Uttarakhand’s Gaurikund forest, killing all seven on board, including the pilot and a two-year-old.
This was the fifth helicopter crash in the Kedarnath region in six weeks, raising serious safety concerns. The Uttarakhand government suspended all chopper services in the area for two days, pending a review. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating, with initial reports suggesting possible mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions, as heavy fog and rain were reported. The black box has been recovered to aid the probe.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired an emergency meeting, ordering a safety audit of all helicopter operators servicing the Char Dham Yatra routes. PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences, with the central government pledging support for the investigation and victim families. The crash has sparked public outrage, with demands for stricter regulation of private helicopter services in the region.
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