Update: Mid-air chain break in helicopter in northern India
August 31, 2024
by Bhagyashree Barman
by Bhagyashree BarmanA potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly avoided in the skies over northern India’s Uttarakhand, when a helicopter suffered a critical chain break mid-air.
The incident took place in Kedarnath of Rudraprayag district on August 31.
Visuals showed how the chain broke mid air when the helicopter was trying to lift it and the aircraft fell down to the ground.
According to reports, the MI-17 helicopter, tasked with routine operations near the sacred Kedarnath temple—a pilgrimage site revered in Hinduism—suddenly lost balance after the chain malfunction. The situation became dire as the helicopter began to tilt dangerously. However, thanks to the quick thinking and expertise of the crew, they managed to stabilize the aircraft and safely guide it back to the ground, preventing what could have been a tragic crash in the treacherous Himalayan terrain. SDRF teams were then sent to search for crashed aircraft.
The helicopter, though damaged, did not cause any casualties, making this incident a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of flying in such challenging and high-altitude environments. Helicopters are a lifeline in this region, frequently used for transporting pilgrims and essential supplies to the remote Kedarnath temple, accessible only by foot or air. This close call has raised concerns about the safety of aerial operations in the area, emphasizing the need for stringent maintenance checks and preparedness for emergency situations.
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