Joshimath (Gurpreet Singh): Helicopters operating on the Char Dham Yatra routes in Uttarakhand will now be required to carry a co-pilot, following a crash near Joshimath that killed all six people on board.
The decision was taken on Saturday during a high-level meeting between the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
UCADA CEO Prateek Jain told PTI that a co-pilot would be mandatory for every charter helicopter operating on the Char Dham routes. Pilots will also have to submit a report after completing each flight, detailing weather conditions along the route and other relevant information.
Jain said a standard format for these reports was being prepared. The information will help the next pilot operating on the same route assess conditions and prepare better for the flight.
Why Has Uttarakhand Made Co-Pilots Mandatory on Char Dham Routes?
The safety measures follow Friday’s crash involving a privately operated helicopter near Joshimath in Chamoli district. The chopper was returning to Dehradun from Badrinath when it crashed, killing all six people on board.
The new reporting requirement is intended to improve the sharing of flight-related information, particularly weather conditions, among pilots operating on these routes.
DGCA, AAIB Teams Begin Investigation Into Joshimath Crash
Teams from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reached Joshimath on Saturday and spoke to local residents about the incident.
On Sunday, the teams, accompanied by UCADA officials, are scheduled to visit the crash site and collect information as part of the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, administrative teams are engaged in recovering the mortal remains of the six victims. Officials said the bodies were expected to be brought to Joshimath by Saturday evening.
