Chardham Helicopter Accidents: AAIB Recommends SOP for Weather Updates, DGCA to Audit Operators

Dehradun: The recent helicopter accidents during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand had created widespread concern among pilgrims and authorities alike. Following these incidents, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government had ordered an investigation and temporarily suspended services. Now, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its report with key recommendations aimed at improving safety.

According to the AAIB, all helicopter service providers operating in the Char Dham region should implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sharing timely weather information with pilots. The agency also recommended that critical systems should have reliable backup power supplies to ensure uninterrupted access to real-time weather updates.

DGCA Audit Recommended
The AAIB further suggested that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conduct a comprehensive audit of all helicopter operators. The audit should verify whether pilots have the required qualifications and training for flying in mountainous regions. These recommendations were highlighted in the interim report on the Kedarnath helicopter accident on 17 May, where the pilot reportedly did not receive weather information due to a power outage.

Accident Details
The interim report focuses on an incident involving a Pinnacle Air Airbus helicopter being operated as an air ambulance, carrying three occupants: a pilot, a doctor, and a nurse. While the helicopter sustained damage, no injuries were reported. The AAIB noted that the Kedarnath valley lacks dedicated meteorological facilities, and the automated weather equipment at the Shri Kedarnath helipad feeds real-time data to a computer. However, due to power outages and lack of backup electricity, weather updates were unavailable between 8:54 AM and 12:53 PM, the critical time frame before the incident.

Need for SOPs
The report also highlighted that while service providers use CCTV cameras across the valley to monitor visibility, there is no formal SOP for sharing weather updates with operators. To enhance flight safety, the AAIB recommended that the DGCA instruct the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) to implement an SOP ensuring all helicopter operators in the Char Dham region receive accurate, timely weather information.

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