AAIB Probe Reveals Overhead Cable Strike Caused Uttarkashi Helicopter Crash

The BELL 407 helicopter that crashed in Uttarkashi on May 8 collided with an overhead fibre cable during an emergency landing attempt, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed in its preliminary report. The fatal crash claimed the lives of six people, including the pilot, while one person sustained serious injuries.

According to the AAIB, the helicopter began descending from its assigned altitude approximately 20 minutes after taking off. The 59-year-old pilot, who had logged over 6,160 hours of flying experience, attempted to make an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway. During this maneuver, the chopper's main rotor struck a fibre cable running alongside the road, leading to the catastrophic crash.

The report underscores that the fibre cable-likely difficult to detect under such conditions-was the critical factor in the crash. Despite the pilot's quick decision-making, the unseen obstacle proved fatal.

The crash has once again raised concerns about the safety of air operations in mountainous regions, where low visibility and unmarked aerial obstructions can pose serious risks. Experts have stressed the need for comprehensive mapping and marking of overhead hazards such as power lines and fibre cables, particularly along commonly used emergency landing routes.

The AAIB has stated that the investigation is ongoing and further analysis will be conducted to determine whether any additional factors contributed to the accident. The incident has reignited calls for enhanced coordination between aviation authorities and infrastructure agencies to prevent such tragedies.