History of Flight
On 18 October 2022, a Bell 407 helicopter (VT-RPN) operated by Aryan Aviation Private Limited was conducting shuttle flights between Guptkashi and Kedarnath under an agreement with the Uttrakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). The helicopter had completed four uneventful shuttles in the morning between 0825 and 0935 hrs. After a one-hour break, operations resumed for a slot from 1130 to 1230 hrs. The helicopter took off earlier than planned, landing at Kedarnath at 1121 hrs with five passengers, then departing for Guptkashi at 1122 hrs with six passengers. It later returned to Kedarnath with five passengers, landing at 1137 hrs. After exchanging passengers, the helicopter took off again around 1141 hrs and impacted a ridge approximately 1.2 km from the helipad, toppling down a slope and breaking into pieces.
Injuries to Persons
The accident resulted in seven fatalities, comprising one crew member and six passengers.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter sustained substantial damage and broke into pieces upon impact with the ridge and subsequent tumbling down the slope.
Pilot Information
The pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot License (Helicopter) (ATPL(H)).
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Bell 407, Indian nationality, registration VT-RPN, owned and operated by Aryan Aviation Private Limited. It was being used for helicopter shuttle services for pilgrims.
Organizational Information
Aryan Aviation Private Limited operated the flight under an agreement with UCADA. The operations followed time slots allocated by UCADA.