Dehradun: In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund on Sunday morning that claimed seven lives, including a two-year-old child, the Uttarakhand Police have booked two senior officials of Aryan Aviation for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, citing gross negligence and violation of aviation protocols.
The Bell 407 helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt. Ltd., was ferrying Char Dham Yatra pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, amid dense fog and poor visibility. All passengers, including the pilot, Lt. Col. (Retd.) Rajveer Singh Chauhan, perished in the crash.
FIR highlights multiple violations
The First Information Report (FIR), filed under BNS Section 105 and the Aircraft Act, accuses Aryan Aviation of operating the flight nearly 50 minutes before its allotted time slot, in clear violation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). According to the FIR, the designated flying window for Aryan Aviation on June 15 was between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., but the helicopter took off at approximately 5:10 a.m., despite cloud cover and fog in the region.
The report further alleges that managers Vikas Tomar and Kaushik Pathak failed to ensure compliance with weather checks and flight timing protocols, responsibilities that fall under their purview as base and accountable managers.
Immediate suspension and broader crackdown
Following the crash, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a high-level investigation and immediate suspension of Aryan Aviation’s Char Dham operations. Additionally, two pilots from a different operator have been suspended for six months for flying in unsuitable weather conditions, signaling a broader crackdown on aviation safety violations.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been tasked with conducting a detailed probe into the incident. Preliminary assessments suggest the crash may have been a case of Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), where the aircraft, though airworthy, was flown into terrain due to pilot disorientation or poor visibility.
Pilot’s background and public reaction
The deceased pilot, Lt. Col. Rajveer Singh Chauhan, was a decorated Army veteran with over 15 years of service. He had recently become a father to twins. His death, along with those of the six pilgrims, has sparked nationwide grief and calls for stricter aviation oversight.
Political leaders and aviation experts have urged the government to review safety protocols, conduct frequent audits, and ensure that only experienced pilots operate in high-altitude zones like Kedarnath. As investigations continue, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude aviation and the critical importance of adhering to safety norms.
