5 Chopper Accidents in 38 Days: Is Kedarnath's Sky Turning Into a Death Trap?

A private chopper returning from Kedarnath to Guptkashi met with an accident. The accident was so severe that the chopper was reduced to ashes. 7 people including a 2-year-old innocent girl died in the accident.

Heli services on the Chardham Yatra routes, especially on the Kedarnath route, are becoming the cause of death. This is because in the last one month, 5 major helicopter accidents have taken place in Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag. 13 people have died in these. 5 accidents between 8 May and 15 June, dozens of lives in danger and mourning in many families.

8 May – Chopper going from Sahasradhara to Yamunotri crashes in Gangaani, 6 dead

12 May – Chopper rotor damaged in Badrinath after collision

17 May – Heli ambulance crash lands in Kedarnath

7 June – Crystal Airways chopper crash lands on highway a few seconds after takeoff in Guptkashi, pilot injured

15 June – Chopper returning from Kedarnath with passengers crashes in Gaurikund forest, 7 people die tragically

Let us know the reasons why heli accidents are happening repeatedly in Kedarnath.

Pressure of excessive flying
Helicopter pilots may be under pressure of excessive flying, which is increasing their fatigue and stress, which is causing accidents.

Ignoring the set standards:
The helicopter operators are ignoring the set standards, such as maintenance and safety protocols.

Continuous bad weather
The weather in the Kedarnath region is often bad, which is challenging for helicopter flying. In the extreme weather of Kedarnath, even advanced helicopters like MI-17 and Chinook are often fooled, what is the status of these single engine flying machines there.

Greed for more money
Helicopter operators are flying more in the greed of earning more money. It is often seen that a helicopter is not able to land properly on the helipad and has to take off again in a few seconds. Due to which safety standards are being ignored.

New pilots do not have experience of the valley
New pilots do not have experience of flying in the Kedarnath region, due to which accidents are happening.

Given these reasons, it is necessary that safety standards are strictly followed by helicopter operators and regulatory agencies.

1- Pilots should be given adequate training and rest.

2- Weather conditions should be carefully assessed

3- Flights should be postponed if necessary.

However, until strict compliance is ensured, the government should stop air services with immediate effect. Remember, we are flying helicopters, not Ola Uber.

Note- This has been written after talking to the pilots.