Following the fatal helicopter crash in Uttarakhand&rsquo;s Gaurikund area, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce strict adherence to all helicopter safety protocols, especially in high-risk areas like Kedarnath valley.
Calling passenger safety &ldquo;non-negotiable,&rdquo; the ministry warned that no operator should risk flights in unsafe weather. The DGCA has been directed to ensure strict compliance, particularly in pilgrimage zones where lives are most vulnerable.
The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, crashed between Gaurikund and Sonprayag during its return from Kedarnath, killing all seven onboard &mdash; including a 23-month-old infant. Preliminary findings suggest the crash was due to Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) caused by poor visibility.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a detailed probe. Meanwhile, Aryan Aviation's operations have been suspended, and two TransBharat Aviation pilots have had their licenses suspended for six months for similar violations.
All helicopter services in the region have been halted for June 15 and 16. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) will reassess operations and pilot preparedness. A real-time Command-and-Control Room will also be established for continuous flight monitoring to enhance safety oversight.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Aviation Ministry Cracks Down on Chopper Safety Norms

Helicopter services in Kedarnath halted; DGCA told to enforce strict rules after crash kills seven

Aviation Ministry Cracks Down on Chopper Safety Norms

Helicopter services in Kedarnath halted; DGCA told to enforce strict rules after crash kills seven

June 15, 2025 | 16:32 IST