Private Helicopter Bound for Kedarnath Performs Emergency Landing on Road; Pilot Injured
Guptkashi, Uttarakhand, June 07, 2025: A private helicopter en route to Kedarnath Dham was forced to make an emergency landing in Guptkashi, Rudraprayag district, due to a technical fault earlier today. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members are safe, with no casualties reported, though the pilot complained of back pain.
According to Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order Dr. V. Murugeshan, the Crestel Aviation Private Limited helicopter, flying from Sirsi with passengers, executed a precautionary landing on a road instead of the designated helipad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, and shuttle operations continue as scheduled.
VIDEO | Uttarakhand: A private helicopter made an emergency landing on a road in Rudraprayag. The helicopter’s tail section fell onto a car. All passengers of the helicopter are safe. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Further details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 7, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full… pic.twitter.com/4tHLwktald
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | A private helicopter en route to Kedarnath Dham made an emergency landing in Guptkashi of Rudraprayag district due to a technical fault. All the people on board the helicopter are safe: Uttarakhand ADG Law and Order Dr V Murugeshan
— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2025
CEO of UCADA has… pic.twitter.com/Zj1SLluZ7N
The aircraft, a Kestrel Aviation AW119 helicopter piloted by Captain RPS Sodhi, experienced a hard landing near the Bharasu helipad after the pilot suspected an issue with the collective control. In a swift response, the captain performed a controlled forced landing on the adjacent road. While all passengers escaped unharmed, the pilot was taken to the hospital for evaluation due to complaints of back pain.
Eyewitnesses reported that the helicopter’s tail section fell onto a parked car, though no additional injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident, and further details are awaited.
