Tragic Helicopter Crash in Uttarakhand: What Went Wrong?

Investigation Reveals Key Details of the Crash

New Delhi: An initial investigation into the helicopter accident in Uttarakhand that resulted in six fatalities in May has determined that the main rotor blade of the aircraft collided with an overhead fiber optic cable before it crashed down a hillside and came to a stop against a tree.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) announced on Saturday that their investigation team is currently assessing the next steps to uncover the underlying causes of the incident.

The Bell 407 helicopter, which was 17 years old and operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt Ltd, went down just 24 minutes after takeoff on May 8.

The pilot and five passengers lost their lives in the crash, while one individual suffered serious injuries.

According to the AAIB, the helicopter took off from Kharsali helipad at 8:11 AM on May 8 and was completely destroyed in the crash, which occurred at Gangnani in Uttarkashi at 8:35 AM, but fortunately, there was no fire.

The five-page report from AAIB detailed that the helicopter had been in the air for 20 minutes before it began to descend from its designated altitude.

Initially, the pilot aimed to land on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri Road (NH 34) near Gangnani. During this landing attempt, the helicopter's main rotor blade hit an overhead fiber cable that ran parallel to the road.

This collision also caused damage to some roadside metallic barriers. However, the helicopter could not complete the landing and fell down the hillside, ultimately resting about 250 feet deep in a gorge.

The helicopter, equipped with a Rolls-Royce engine, was manufactured in 2008.

Representatives and technical advisors from the US National Transportation Safety Board and Canada's Transportation Safety Board have been appointed to assist in the investigation.

The investigation team is collaborating with these agencies to determine the necessary actions to identify the root causes of the crash.