Private chopper deployed for rescue operation crashes in Kedarnath

A private chopper deployed for a rescue operation crashed in Kedarnath on Friday.

The pilot of the chopper, however, ejected to safety.

There were no reports of casualties in the incident, as no passengers were on board.

The pilot was reportedly rescued by an IAF Cheetah that was flying in the vicinity.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has committed thirteen more aircraft for to 'Op Rahat' taking the total number of aircraft to 43 from yesterday's 30. Break up -36 rotary wing aircraft( 23 Mi 17IV/Mi17 V 5, 11 ALH, 01 Cheetah, 01 Mi 26), two C130Js, three AN 32, one AVRO and one IL76.

IAF is also activating landing grounds - Gauchar and Dharasu in Uttarakhand to establish Air Bridge for chopper movement. It has plans to operate ALH and Chetah from Gauchar.

A heavylift Mi- 26 has already landed at Gauchar with 30 barrels of fuel and 70 paratroopers. A C130J committed to recce mission to check valley clearance and facilitate further relief rescue operations is also planned to land at Dharasu.

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Mi 26 will continue to operate in this area to maintain supply of aviation fuel and rescue work. It will also provide helilift to the heavy equipment of BRO for repairs and construction work as well as support construction of temporary helipads for better extraction of those stuck or stranded using small helicopters.