The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings on the tragic helicopter crash that occurred in Gangnani, Uttarkashi. The incident, which claimed six lives, was reportedly caused when the main rotor of the helicopter struck an overhead fiber cable during an attempted emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway.
The report states that the pilot tried to land on the road after encountering an emergency situation but failed to avoid the low-hanging cable, leading to the fatal crash. The impact was so severe that the aircraft broke into two pieces upon hitting the ground. Five of the occupants were ejected from the helicopter, while two bodies remained trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue teams had to cut through the aircraft to recover the remaining victims, facing difficulties due to the steep terrain and rocky slopes.
However, when contacted, the Uttarkashi district administration denied having received any official report regarding the investigation.
Following the crash, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority promptly informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Both DGCA and Civil Aviation teams are conducting parallel investigations into the incident.
