Watch: How Pilot's Presence Of Mind Averted Helicopter Crash In Kedarnath

Even as the recent chopper crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian is fresh in the minds of the people, a helicopter virtually landed in trouble in Kedarnath. It is the presence of mind of the pilot which has saved the lives of seven people on Friday.

The accident was narrowly avoided in Kedarnath Dham when a helicopter belonging to Crystal Company was forced to make an emergency landing away from the designated helipad due to rotor malfunction. The incident occurred during the aircraft's journey from Phata to Kedarnath Dham with six passengers on board, all of whom escaped unharmed.

The helicopter landed a few metres from the helipad at the Himalayan temple, an official said. It was carrying seven people, including six pilgrims and the pilot, an official told the PTI.

Garhwal Mandal Commissioner VS Pandey tells ANI, "This helicopter made 2 rounds. In the 3rd round, its blades suddenly malfunctioned and due to the pilot's presence of mind, the helicopter landed safely and a major accident was averted. UKADA will conduct a technical investigation"

"Miraculous escape from what looks like loss of directional control (rudder/servo failure?). Six 360° turns before setting down outside the helipad. Remarkably well controlled by the pilot. All safe," a user on Twitter said.

The second user commented, "Great skills! More power to them."

The third user claims, "Hats off to the skipper, maybe he shut the engines at the right time to avoid a potential blow up.."

The fourth user added, "Dramatic landing of a helicopter just short of the helipad in #Kedarnath this morning!"

Another netizen stated, "Scary. Fortunately, all on board safe."