Crystal Aviation’s Heli Yatra to Kedarnath Interrupted: Emergency Landing on Rudraprayag Highway, Co-Pilot Injured
"Emergency landing averts tragedy during Char Dham Yatra; co-pilot injured, all passengers safe as probe begins into technical failure."
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | June 7, 2025 —
A Crystal Aviation helicopter en route to Kedarnath made an emergency landing on the highway between Sirsi and Phata on Saturday morning, shortly after taking off from the Badasu Helipad. The helicopter, which was part of the Char Dham Yatra service, was carrying five pilgrims, along with pilot Captain Manish Rawat and co-pilot Rohit Nautiyal.
According to initial reports, the emergency landing took place due to a technical snag detected soon after takeoff. The pilot successfully managed to bring the helicopter down on a relatively clear stretch of road, preventing a major accident. However, co-pilot Rohit Nautiyal sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. All five passengers are reported to be safe.
This is the fourth helicopter-related incident on the Char Dham route within the past 30 days, raising serious questions over flight safety and the regulation of private aviation services during the pilgrimage season.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed, and a probe has been initiated into the cause of the emergency. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has also taken note of the incident.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation continues.
