Over two months after the tragic helicopter crash near Gangnani in Uttarkashi, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report, identifying the main rotor blade striking an overhead fibre cable as the probable cause of the accident. The May 8 crash killed six of the seven people on board, including the pilot.
According to the AAIB, the helicopter, operated under charter for the Char Dham Yatra, had departed Sahastradhara helipad at 7:45 AM with six passengers. After dropping one group at Kharsali, it picked up another for Jhala. Around 20 minutes into this second leg, the helicopter began descending near Gangnani on the Uttarkashi–Gangotri Road (NH 34).
During the attempted emergency landing on the highway, the rotor blade struck a fibre cable running parallel to the road. The impact damaged roadside barricades and destabilized the aircraft, causing it to tumble roughly 250 feet down a hillside before coming to rest after hitting a tree.
Earlier that morning, a routine hill familiarization check had been completed without any issues. The helicopter’s Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until October 2025, confirming compliance with safety standards.