The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report, has confirmed that the Bell 407 helicopter which crashed in Uttarkashi on May 8, struck an overhead fibre cable with its main rotor while attempting an emergency landing.
SDRF personnel carry out rescue work after a helicopter carrying six people to Gangotri Dham crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district.
According to the AAIB, the helicopter began to descend from its assigned altitude around 20 minutes after takeoff. The 59-year-old pilot, who had over 6,160 flying hours, attempted an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri National Highway.
However, the aircraft hit a fibre cable running alongside the road, which resulted in a fatal crash.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of six people, including the pilot, while one person sustained serious injuries. The investigation is ongoing to determine further contributing factors.
Related Update: NTSB Criticizes Speculation in Air India Crash Reports
Amid growing media reports over the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash, Jennifer Homendy, chair of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), criticized the coverage as “premature and speculative.”
“Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the AAIB’s public appeal, which was released Thursday, and will continue to support its ongoing investigation. All investigative questions should be addressed to the AAIB,” the NTSB said on X, quoting Homendy.
The Air India Boeing 787-7 crash occurred in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, killing 260 people. India’s AAIB, with support from the NTSB, is leading the probe. Both agencies have urged the public to refrain from drawing early conclusions.