MI-17 Airlifts Helicopter, Crash Averted in Kedarnath

An MI-17 aircraft experienced instability while airlifting a helicopter for repairs to Gauchar airstrip, leading to a crash in Kedarnath. No injuries reported. A rescue team is assessing the situation. Earlier, another private helicopter crashed in Pune, causing injuries but no fatalities.

A helicopter being airlifted for repairs by an MI-17 aircraft crashed in Kedarnath on Saturday, officials confirmed. The incident occurred when the MI-17 began losing balance due to the helicopter's weight and prevailing wind conditions. The pilot managed to safely drop the helicopter into an empty valley space.

'The plan was to take the helicopter to Gauchar airstrip for repair,' stated District Tourism Officer Rahul Chaubey. 'However, the MI-17 lost balance shortly after taking off, necessitating an emergency drop near Tharu camp.' There were no passengers or luggage on board, he added. A rescue team quickly reached the scene to assess the situation.

Chaubey noted that the distressed helicopter had initially landed near Kedarnath helipad on May 24 due to technical issues. An SDRF team is currently conducting relief operations at the crash site.

Fortunately, there were no casualties. This incident follows a previous crash on August 24, when a private helicopter crashed near Paud village in Pune. The captain sustained injuries and was hospitalized, while the other three passengers are in stable condition, according to SP Pankaj Deshmukh of the Pune Rural Police. The cause of the Pune crash remains under investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)