A Sanjeevani air ambulance carrying two doctors and a pilot suffered a tail rotor failure during a rescue mission, narrowly averting disaster in Kedarnath.
Kedarnath | May 17, 2025 — Dramatic visuals have emerged from Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, showing the moment an air ambulance helicopter crash-landed near the helipad after a technical malfunction mid-air. The helicopter, operated by AIIMS Rishikesh under the ‘Sanjeevani’ air ambulance initiative, was en route to evacuate a pilgrim suffering from respiratory distress.
The tail rotor of the aircraft reportedly malfunctioned, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing. In the footage now circulating widely on social media, the helicopter can be seen descending at high speed, falling just short of the designated helipad and striking the side of the facility.
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Uttrakhand
— Abhishek sinha (@abhisheksinhan) May 17, 2025
Rudraprayag.
Pinnacle company’s air ambulance crashes in Kedarnath Dham,
Pilot’s quick thinking saves three lives.#cmdhami#BKTC#uttrakhand #chardhamUK pic.twitter.com/s2GRhicDf2
360-Degree Spin After Impact
Despite the hard landing, the helicopter spun 360 degrees due to the lift from the still-active rotors. Onlookers standing nearby were seen rushing to assist, as the pilot and medical staff emerged from the chopper.
District tourism development officer and nodal officer for Kedarnath helicopter services, Rahul Chaubey, confirmed that all three onboard — two doctors and the pilot — are safe. He praised the pilot’s presence of mind for preventing a potential tragedy.
DGCA Orders Probe
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and will conduct a thorough investigation into the technical snag, officials said.
This incident occurred amid the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, which sees heavy footfall in Kedarnath, especially during the pilgrimage season. Helicopter services are crucial in this region for medical emergencies and logistical support.
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Kedarnath helicopter crash, air ambulance Kedarnath, AIIMS Rishikesh chopper, Kedarnath air emergency, Uttarakhand DGCA probe, Sanjeevani air ambulance, Kedarnath helipad mishap