Defective Helicopter Airlifted by MI-17 Crashes Near Kedarnath

A private helicopter being airlifted from Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, to Gauchar by an Indian Air Force MI-17 chopper crashed this morning, according to officials. The incident occurred near the Mandakini River in Lincholi, but fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the crash was captured on video.

The MI-17 was transporting the defective helicopter to the Gauchar airstrip for repairs when the pilot was compelled to drop the chopper at a vacant area after experiencing instability. Rudraprayag district tourism officer Rahul Chaubey explained, “After covering a short distance, the MI-17 began to lose balance due to the helicopter’s weight and wind conditions, necessitating the drop near the Tharu camp.”

There were no passengers or cargo aboard the helicopter at the time of the incident, and a rescue team promptly arrived at the crash site. Chaubey noted that the private helicopter had previously made an emergency landing near the Kedarnath helipad in May due to technical issues.

Previously, the helicopter was used to transport passengers to the Kedarnath temple. However, since July 31, the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath has significantly declined due to extensive damage along the trek route caused by heavy rains.

Landslides caused by heavy rains along the route from Kedarnath to Gaurikund stranded thousands, prompting the administration to initiate a large-scale rescue operation involving the Air Force’s Chinook and MI-17 helicopters, along with private choppers.

Despite the suspension of the trek route in August, helicopter services to the temple continued. The Chardham Yatra commenced this year on May 10 with the opening of the Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples, while the Badrinath portal opened on May 12. So far, over 3.3 million pilgrims have visited the Himalayan temples this season.