Kedarnath helicopter ambulance emergency landing

Helicopter Ambulance Makes Emergency Landing Near Kedarnath, All Aboard Safe

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Dehradun, May 17 — A helicopter ambulance deployed for a medical rescue near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand made a successful emergency landing on Saturday after a suspected technical failure mid-air. The quick response by the pilot averted a major tragedy, officials confirmed.

Kedarnath helicopter ambulance emergency landing

The Sanjeevani air ambulance, operated under the Uttarakhand government’s emergency medical services and launched by AIIMS Rishikesh, was en route to Kedarnath to evacuate a seriously ill woman pilgrim when the incident occurred just before landing.

🚁 Tail Rotor Damaged During Emergency Landing

According to PRO Sandeep Kumar, the aircraft experienced a technical glitch while approaching the main helipad in Kedarnath. The pilot, upon detecting the issue, decided to conduct an emergency landing on flat terrain just before the designated helipad. During the maneuver, the tail rotor of the helicopter broke, but no casualties or injuries were reported.

The helicopter was carrying a medical team from AIIMS Rishikesh, comprising a doctor and a nursing staff member, along with the pilot. All three onboard were safely evacuated following the incident.

⚠️ DGCA to Conduct Technical Investigation

District Tourism Development Officer and Nodal Officer for Helicopter Services, Rahul Chaubey, confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will initiate a comprehensive technical inspection to determine the root cause of the malfunction. The helicopter reportedly suffered the malfunction shortly before its scheduled touchdown, requiring immediate action.

🏥 Medical Evacuation Mission

The helicopter had been dispatched to evacuate a female devotee who was experiencing severe respiratory distress at Kedarnath Dham. The distress call prompted the emergency launch of the Sanjeevani Air Ambulance, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29, 2024, as a part of enhanced healthcare response capabilities in high-altitude pilgrimage zones.

🛑 All Operations Under Review

While the passengers were unharmed, the incident has prompted a review of helicopter ambulance operations in the region, especially considering the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather patterns in Kedarnath.

Authorities praised the pilot’s presence of mind, which ensured a safe emergency landing, preventing what could have been a serious aviation mishap in a high-altitude zone frequently visited by thousands of pilgrims.

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Ganpat Singh Chouhan
Ganpat Singh Chouhan
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.