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Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Uttarkashi crash: Chopper hit overhead cable during emergency landing, says probe agency AAIB
The Bell 407 helicopter that crashed in Uttarkashi on May 8, killing six people, including the pilot, had struck an overhead cable during an emergency descent, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said in its preliminary report. SDRF personnel carry out rescue work after a helicopter carrying six people to Gangotri Dham crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district.(PTI File) The helicopter, registered as VT-OXF and operated by Aerotrans Services Pvt. Ltd., had taken off from Kharsali Helipad at 08.11 IST, bound for Jhala Helipad with six passengers on board. It was a single-pilot operation following an earlier routine hill familiarisation flight conducted earlier the same day. 'The purpose of the flight was Charter flying for Char Dham Yatra. This was a single pilot operation flight, and this sector was planned to be operated by another pilot. The assigned flight level for this entire sector was 10,500 ft AMSL... The helicopter airborne again at 08:11 IST from Kharsali helipad,' the AAIB report stated. Roughly 20 minutes into the flight, investigators added that the helicopter began descending from its assigned altitude and attempted an emergency landing on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri Road (NH 34), near Gangnani. During the descent, the helicopter's main rotor blade struck an overhead fibre cable running parallel to the road. The impact damaged nearby metal barricades, and the aircraft subsequently tumbled down a steep slope, coming to rest against a tree approximately 250 feet into a gorge. Helicopter crashed 250 feet into gorge after 20-minute flight: AAIB report 'The helicopter flew for 20 minutes before descending from its assigned altitude... Eventually, it came to rest against a tree, approximately 250 feet deep into a gorge,' the report said. 'The pilot and five passengers were fatally injured in the accident, while one passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed in the crash. However, there was no fire,' the report added. The AAIB confirmed the helicopter was airworthy at the time of the flight. A defect involving the tail rotor, where surface skin had peeled off, had been reported on May 3 and rectified by May 7. 'The last defect reported by the pilot was 'surface skin peeled at the tail rotor tip'... the Certificate to Release to service was issued on 07th May 2025,' the report reads. The aircraft, built in 2008, had its last scheduled inspection on April 25, 2025. 'The BELL 407 helicopter was manufactured in 2008... The last scheduled inspections were carried out on April 25, 2025,' it added. The wreckage has been moved to a secure facility for detailed examination. Experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Canada's Transportation Safety Board (TSB), and Rolls-Royce are supporting the ongoing investigation. 'The investigation team visited the accident site and carried out an onsite investigation... The identified helicopter and engine components were brought to the AAIB Headquarters by the investigation team,' the report said. Coordination with international agencies and technical specialists is underway to determine the root cause of the crash.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Drought-like situation in 5 dists: Sarma
1 2 Guwahati: Assam cabinet on Friday approved notifying drought-like situation in five districts in western Assam due to significantly deficient rainfall — around 40% below normal — based on data from the meteorological department and groundwater commission. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in a post-cabinet briefing said a formal declaration of drought-like situation in Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Barpeta, Bongaigaon and Baksa districts will be issued by the revenue department following the cabinet's approval. In view of the prevailing severe drought-like situation, the cabinet has considered it to be a state specific disaster and accorded in principle approval for extending compensation benefits to the affected beneficiaries in selected districts as per the SDRF norms. Sarma said farmers who had insured their crops under the Fasal Bima Yojana will be eligible for compensation as per the guidelines. A few other districts of upper Assam have also received less rainfall so far this year, and paddy output could be hit if it continues in July-Aug, he added. According to a report by the Assam State Disaster management Authority, the state, due to its unique physiographic and climatic conditions, is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the country and is prone to multiple natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, cyclones and occasional droughts. The report says Assam suffers periodic droughts due to variability in rainfall pattern over the years. "Warming of the temperature is expected to reduce production of staple crops such as rice, horticulture produce, economically important tea produce, milk yields and fish catch, affecting the agriculture productivity and livelihood of people of Assam," the report says. "All across the State, except in the southern districts, drought weeks are going to rise as well by more than 75% with respect to the base line (1971- 2000). This means reduced productivity in the primary sector i.e., agriculture and allied activity, thereby impacting life and livelihood of people in Assam," it adds.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Prevent human loss during rains and floods, DGP tells APSDRF personnel
Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta has directed the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (APSDRF) to remain vigilant and prepared to prevent loss of life during the ongoing monsoon season. During a meeting held at the AP Police Headquarters in Mangalagiri on Friday, APSDRF head and Inspector General of Police (IGP) B. Raja Kumari and Commandant M. Deepika, along with their team, briefed the DGP on current preparedness levels. Commending the SDRF for their effective rescue and rehabilitation efforts during the Budameru floods and other emergencies, Mr. Gupta urged them to maintain high alert throughout the season. He also lauded the APSDRF for winning first place in the Regional Level Competitions (Southern Zone) and securing third place in the National Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) event. The SDRF officers also detailed recent rescue operations, including successful interventions in Krishna river and other drowning incidents across the State.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Climate
- United News of India
Assam to declare ‘drought like' situation in ten districts
States » East Guwahati, July 18 (UNI) With ten districts of Assam recording 40 per cent below average rainfall this year, the Assam government is likely to declare a drought-like situation in the ten districts. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said this on Friday, adding that districts including Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Dhubri, Baksa, Bongaigaon, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. 'In view of the prevailing severe drought-like situation across Assam, the Cabinet has considered it to be a state-specific disaster and accorded in-principle approval for extending compensation benefits to the affected beneficiaries in selected districts as per the SDRF norms,' said the Chief Minister. He said that a declaration of a drought-like situation will help the farmers avail benefits of different schemes like the Fasal Bima Yojana. The Chief Minister said that the cabinet has approved the declaration of a drought-like situation in specific districts. 'Now the revenue department and agriculture department will work out how to go ahead and extend the benefits to the people,' he said. UNI ANP ARN
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Chandigarh pilgrim dies on 5,200m-high Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra
Kullu: A 33-year-old Chandigarh resident died due to high altitude sickness on the Shrikhand Mahadev pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district. His family alleged porters extorted Rs 40,000 from them and delayed carrying him to a lower altitude until they were paid. The administration Thursday began a probe and promised action if the allegation was proven. Among the most challenging pilgrimages, Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is conducted during Shravan (monsoon). Thousands of pilgrims climb to the 5,200-metre mountaintop to pay obeisance to a 75-feet-tall rock that devotees believe to be a natural Shiva lingam. Many pilgrims have died on the trek, which is around 32km one way and can take up to a week to complete. Abhay had gone on the pilgrimage with his cousin Vishal. After darshan on July 12, they were on the way down when Abhay's health started deteriorating. He was taken to a doctor at Parvatibagh camp (the highest), who advised Abhay be immediately taken to a lower altitude. SDRF personnel helped Abhay reach Bhimdwar, where a doctor administered oxygen and referred him to the govt hospital in Nirmand. On the way, Abhay's condition worsened but the two porters arranged by the administration allegedly refused to carry him. "They demanded Rs 60,000. I agreed to pay Rs 40,000. My phone was low on battery and there was no signal either, yet I managed to pay them Rs 40,000 through UPI," said Vishal. "But until I could pay them, the porters did not take Abhay down. They snatched our phones and bags and threatened we would not be able to go anywhere until we paid. Then, they took five hours to cover the short distance from Singhgad to Jaon (base of trek at 1,950m). There was no one to help us, no police, no SDRF," he added. "When we finally reached Jaon village and I put Abhay in the back of my car, he died." Vishal's brother Vinay, who reached Nirmand (23km from Jaon) Wednesday evening, said the Kullu administration must also take responsibility. Nirmand SDM Manmohan Singh said an inquiry was initiated. "Porters are deployed through a contractor hired by the administration. Action will be taken against the porters if the allegations are found to be true. I have also moved a complaint from the relatives of the deceased to Nirmand police for action." Abhay's postmortem was conducted Thursday. Local SHO Gopal Singh said no case had been registered yet. Pilgrims need to submit a medical certificate at the time of registration but the trek itself is demanding. In 2023, the yatra was called off after six pilgrims died over a month, and in 2018, three devotees died on the trek due to lack of oxygen. This year, the 14-day pilgrimage is being held from July 10 to July 23 and, until last week, more than 5,000 people had registered online. MSID:: 122635738 413 |
