Helicopter airlift interrupted by strong winds in Kedarnath

A helicopter being airlifted from Kedarnath had to be dropped at around 8 am on Saturday. This helicopter was being airlifted by MI-17 aircraft for repair.

During the airlift, the MI-17 lost its balance due to strong winds. After which the pilot dropped it at a safe place fearing an accident.

District Tourism Officer Rahul Chaubey said that ‘the MI-17 lost its balance due to the wind and the weight of the helicopter. After this, the pilot dropped the helicopter at an empty place in Tharu Camp Valley. There is no population here.’

The helicopter that was dropped had an emergency landing in Kedarnath on May 24. Since then it was standing on the helipad. It was being taken to Gauchar Airbase this morning for repair.

Rahul Chaubey said, “After losing balance, the MI-17 pilot showed prudence and dropped the helicopter at a safe place. If this was not done, an accident could have happened. The MI-17 aircraft could also have been damaged. There was no pilot and no luggage in the dropped helicopter.”