Uttarakhand chopper crash: AAIB says helicopter tumbled down hill after rotor blade hit overhead cable

Releasing the preliminary probe report of the crash on Saturday (July 19, 2025), the AAIB stated that the investigation staff is engaged on the additional plan of action to seek out the foundation reason behind the accident.

The 17-year-old Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt Ltd, with six passengers onboard, crashed 24 minutes after being airborne on May 8.

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The pilot and 5 passengers died within the accident, whereas one passenger sustained critical accidents.

AAIB stated that the helicopter, which was airborne from Kharsali helipad at 8.11 a.m. on May 8, was destroyed within the crash however there was no hearth. The accident occurred at Gangnani in Uttarkashi at 8.35 a.m.

In its five-page report, AAIB stated the helicopter flew for 20 minutes earlier than descending from its assigned altitude.

“Initially, the pilot tried to land on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri Road (NH 34) close to Gangnani in Uttarkashi. During the touchdown try, the helicopter’s major rotor blade struck an overhead fibre cable working parallel to the highway.

“It also damaged some roadside metallic barricades. However, the helicopter was unable to land and tumbled down the hillside. Eventually, it came to rest against a tree, approximately 250 feet deep in a gorge,” it stated.

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The helicopter, powered by Rolls Royce engine, was manufactured in 2008.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Canada’s Transportation Safety Board have appointed accredited representatives and technical advisors for the investigation.

“The investigation team is coordinating with them for further course of action required to find out the root cause(s),” the report stated.