Stories
AAIB Calls for 50-Hour Hill-Flying Training After Kedarnath Crash
- •The AAIB released its final report on the June 2025 helicopter crash in the Kedarnath valley that resulted in seven fatalities.
- •Investigators highlighted the pilot's limited hill-flying experience and sudden cloud build-up as primary contributing factors.
- •The agency recommended a mandatory minimum of 50 hours of dual sorties in hill operations before pilots undertake single-pilot flights in the valley.
- •The report also suggested implementing recording systems for radio communications between flight crews and the Sitapur control centre.
Key Questions Answered
The June 2025 crash was caused by the pilot's limited experience, rapidly descending clouds, and the crew's decision to continue the flight without turning back. The pilot became disoriented after trying to perform a turn back toward Kedarnath with no visual cues, causing the aircraft to impact the terrain.
The AAIB recommended that the DGCA amend regulations to require a minimum of 50 hours of dual sorties with an experienced pilot in hill operations. This training must be completed before any pilot is cleared for single-pilot operations in the Kedarnath valley or similar high-altitude regions for the first time.
The AAIB recommended that the DGCA establish an oversight mechanism for the Sitapur control centre which manages traffic in the Kedarnath valley. Additionally, the bureau suggested that UCADA arrange for recording radio telephony communications between controllers and flight crews to assist with audits and safety investigations.
