Dehradun, Nov. 29 -- The interim inquiry report into the Aryan Aviation Private Limited helicopter crash in the Kedarnath Valley, which killed seven people on 15 June earlier this year, is now available. The interim report paints a grim picture of rapidly deteriorating visibility, unclear adherence to safety protocols, and possible operational lapses. While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has not found any technical malfunction in the Bell 407 helicopter (VT-BKA) at the time of take-off, the report raises troubling questions about weather assessment, slot timing, and the adequacy of aviation infrastructure in one of India's most challenging flying zones.

It may be recalled that the helicopter, which had taken off from t...