A tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on June 15, 2025, claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including the pilot, five adult pilgrims, and a 23-month-old child. The Aryan Aviation helicopter was returning from the Kedarnath temple to Guptkashi when it crashed into a dense forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag around 5:20 am.
The crash occurred amid poor weather conditions. Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot attempted to maneuver the helicopter out of the valley but failed, leading to a devastating collision. Among the deceased were three members of the Jaiswal family from Maharashtra—Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal, his wife Shraddha, and their daughter Kashi. Their son, Vivaan, was not on the flight and survived as he stayed back with his grandfather. Other victims included Vinod Devi (66) and Trishti Singh (19) from Uttar Pradesh, Vikram Rawat, a BKTC employee from Uttarakhand, and the pilot, Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan of Jaipur.
Locals spotted the wreckage and informed authorities. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) recovered all seven charred bodies. Due to the condition of the remains, DNA tests will be conducted to confirm identities before handing them over to the families.
This marks the fifth aviation incident in Uttarakhand since the Kedarnath shrine opened for the season in May. In response, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has demanded strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) for helicopter services, including mandatory technical inspections and weather evaluations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has curtailed helicopter operations in the Char Dham circuit and initiated intensified safety checks. A thorough investigation will be led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).