Pilot Who Died In Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Recently Became Father To Twins

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand early Sunday had served in the Indian Army for over 15 years and had vast experience of flying missions over different terrains. Rajveer Singh Chauhan, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, joined Aryan Aviation Private Ltd in October last year. Just four months ago, Chauhan became a father to twins.

Chauhan was the captain of the Bell 407 helicopter that crashed near Gaurikund early Sunday morning. The plane first went missing, and soon there was news of its crash. Six people, including a couple and their two-year-old daughter from Maharashtra, were killed in the crash.

Pilot Had Vast Flying Experience

As per his LinkedIn profile, Chauhan had vast experience of flying missions over different terrains, overseeing aerial operations and had been trained in different types of helicopters and their maintenance.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot mourned the loss of lives in the accident.

“The death of seven people, including Jaipur resident pilot Rajveer Singh Chauhan, in the helicopter crash near Kedarnath is extremely sad. My deepest condolences are with the bereaved families in this difficult time,” he said.

The helicopter had taken off from Kedarnath en route to Guptkashi around 5:30 am. It went down shortly after, in a densely forested area known as Gauri Mai Khark, located about 5 km above Gaurikund. The helicopter reportedly caught fire upon impact between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan in the Kedarghati region.

District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar said rescue and relief teams were immediately deployed.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and announced the formation of a technical expert committee to frame a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for heli services in the state. This SOP will mandate thorough technical inspections of helicopters and real-time weather checks before operations.