The final transmission from the Kedarnath helicopter appears as an aviation investigation finds no anomalies

The interim investigation report into the tragic Kedarnath Helicopter Crash has revealed the final words transmitted by the pilot moments before the aircraft went down in the cloud-covered valley. The pilot’s last communication – *“Cannot see anything, turning…”* – came seconds before the Bell 407 helicopter plunged into a forested slope near Gaurikund on June 15, killing all seven people on board, including an infant.

The Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd helicopter (VT-BKA), a 17-year-old single-engine Bell 407, had taken off from the Kedarnath helipad at around 5:35 am, heading toward Guptkashi. This route is frequently used for shuttle services during the pilgrimage season, but weather conditions in the narrow valley often change rapidly. According to the AAIB, visibility near the valley exit deteriorated sharply that morning as clouds drifted downward, obscuring terrain features and restricting the pilot’s field of view.

The report states that the initial phase of the flight was “normal,” with no technical anomalies detected in engine performance, controls, or onboard systems. Radar and telemetry data also aligned with routine departure profiles. Investigators emphasized that the aircraft did not exhibit any mechanical malfunction before the crash, suggesting that weather conditions played a decisive role in the pilot’s attempt to turn back.

The crash site near Gaurikund showed evidence of a high-impact collision followed by a severe post-crash fire that destroyed most of the fuselage. All seven occupants – the pilot, five pilgrims, and an infant – perished instantly. Rescue teams reached the location soon after reports of smoke were received, but the aircraft was already engulfed in flames.

The AAIB’s interim findings underscore the dangers of operating in mountainous regions like Kedarnath, where microclimatic changes can occur within minutes. Pilots flying in these routes often rely heavily on visibility to navigate the narrow valleys, and any sudden drop in clarity can be catastrophic. Investigators are now examining additional data, including weather recordings, pilot experience, operational pressures during peak pilgrimage periods, and adherence to visual flight rules (VFR).

This is not the first time the Kedarnath-Guptkashi corridor has witnessed aviation tragedy; the region has seen multiple crashes over the past decade. The interim report signals that human factors, particularly spatial disorientation caused by poor visibility, may have played a critical role – though final conclusions will be released only after the full investigation is completed.

The AAIB will continue to analyze audio logs, operator maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts to determine whether procedural improvements or additional safety checks may be necessary. For now, the pilot’s haunting final transmission stands as the clearest indicator of the sudden shift in weather that turned a routine pilgrimage flight into a fatal accident.