Uttarkashi Helicopter Crash: AAIB Reveals Preliminary Findings on Fatal Incident

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s report points to a collision with an overhead fibre cable as the cause of the BELL 407 helicopter crash that claimed six lives.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the tragic helicopter crash in Uttarkashi on May 8, revealing key details about the incident. According to the AAIB, the BELL 407 helicopter, which was attempting an emergency landing, struck an overhead fibre cable with its main rotor. The crash resulted in six fatalities, including the 59-year-old pilot, who had extensive flying experience, and left one person with serious injuries.

Details of the Incident:
The AAIB’s investigation found that the helicopter began to descend from its assigned altitude approximately 20 minutes after taking off. The pilot, with more than 6,160 flying hours, was attempting to make an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway when the aircraft struck the fibre cable. The collision with the cable led to the fatal crash, causing the helicopter to plummet to the ground.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to gather information and examine the circumstances that led to the crash.

Victims and Impact:
Six people, including the pilot, lost their lives in the incident, while one other sustained serious injuries. The AAIB’s preliminary findings provide a clearer picture of the events leading up to the crash, but further analysis is required to determine all contributing factors.

As the AAIB continues its investigation, more details will likely emerge about the exact cause of the tragic crash. In the meantime, authorities are focusing on understanding the sequence of events that led to the helicopter’s collision with the overhead cable and its subsequent crash.