No Mayday call from chopper that crashed in Uttarakhand

Investigators probing a recent Chopper crash in Uttarakhand have revealed that no distress call was issued by the helicopter's pilot before the incident. The unfortunate event claimed the lives of the pilot and five passengers. Eyewitness accounts and videos of the helicopter's descent suggest a sudden incident, leaving little time for the pilot to alert other aircraft.

Aviation experts speculate potential mid-air collisions involving birds or drones, though the matter remains under investigation. The helicopter's fall was not consistent with engine failure. Initially, the Chamoli district administration attributed the crash to adverse weather conditions, but investigators dismiss this claim, stating no communication regarding visibility issues or operational difficulties was reported.

No black box was present in the single-engine helicopter, and investigators are instead seeking a camera installed behind the pilot's seat for further clues. Charter helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended for the remainder of the season following a meeting between operators and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who made two pilots mandatory for charter flights.

Operators raised concerns over the financial implications of the new rule, given only a week remained in the pilgrimage season.