A malfunctioned helicopter of Crystal Aviation Company, which had been lying at the Kedarnath shrine helipad for nearly two months due to a tail rotor failure, was dropped into the Mandakini River while being airlifted by an Indian Air Force (IAF) MI-17 helicopter on Saturday morning.
A malfunctioned helicopter of Crystal Aviation Company, which had been lying at the Kedarnath shrine helipad for nearly two months due to a tail rotor failure, was dropped into the Mandakini River while being airlifted by an Indian Air Force (IAF) MI-17 helicopter on Saturday morning.
The mishap occurred as the MI-17, tasked with transporting the damaged helicopter from Kedarnath Helipad to Gauchar airbase, began shaking mid-air due to the weight of the helicopter, rendering it unstable. The pilot, facing imminent risk, had no choice but to drop the helicopter near Tharu Camp at Lincholi, 3-4 km away from the Kedarnath shrine area.
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Confirming the incident, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) officials stated that the MI-17 helicopter became jerky and unstable shortly after takeoff from the Kedarnath Helipad. The pilot’s decision to release the lifted helicopter was necessary to avoid a potentially costly disaster for the IAF helicopter. The wreckage was found scattered along the riverside, with no reported casualties. A State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team was immediately dispatched to search the area and take control of the wreckage.
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The Crystal Aviation Company, one of over 10 aviation firms operating in the Kedar Valley during the ongoing Chardham pilgrimage season, had requested IAF assistance to transport the non-functional helicopter for repairs at Gauchar. The helicopter had made an emergency landing in June due to the tail rotor failure.
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