DGCA Halts Kestrel Aviation Operations After Uttarakhand Chopper Crashes

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th June: After a troubling series of helicopter crashes during the recent Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken decisive action. Kestrel Aviation Private Limited’s operations in Uttarakhand are now suspended, effective immediately, pending a full investigation.

This major step comes after a recent incident involving a Kestrel Aviation helicopter, which made a crash landing at Sersi while taking off from the Badasu helipad on the Kedarnath route. Six people, including the pilot, were on board, but thankfully, all are safe. This accident spurred the DGCA’s swift response.

In a press release, the DGCA announced increased surveillance for all helicopter operators running shuttle and charter services in Uttarakhand. This heightened scrutiny is a direct result of four helicopter accidents within just one month. A comprehensive safety investigation is now underway to pinpoint the causes, including mechanical failures, operational errors, weather challenges, and other contributing factors.

Furthermore, a significant new restriction is in place: all helicopter operators are barred from operating under Out of Ground Effect (OGE) conditions until further notice. As a precaution, the DGCA may also reduce helicopter operations in the Char Dham region if needed. To ensure compliance, the DGCA has intensified its monitoring of Char Dham helicopter operations, using live camera feeds from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). This real-time oversight will help detect any operators deviating from Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), allowing for immediate intervention.

The DGCA also reported that on June 9, two helicopter operators providing shuttle and charter services to Kedarnath were found to be neglecting SOPs at their helipads. Lapses in helicopter parking procedures were observed, leading to the immediate two-hour suspension of operations for both helicopters.

Emphasizing its “zero-tolerance policy for safety violations,” the DGCA confirmed that the suspension of Kestrel Aviation Private Limited’s operations is part of this commitment. Their flights will remain grounded until the investigation is complete. This isn’t an isolated incident; another operator’s flights were also suspended in May 2025 due to safety breaches.

What is the DGCA?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s primary regulatory body for civil aviation. Operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, its main goal is to ensure aviation safety, airworthiness, and a secure experience in all aspects of civil aviation.