Decorated Army veteran who flew over warzones dies in Uttarakhand chopper crash ferrying pilgrims

A helicopter crash near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand early June 15 morning claimed seven lives, including that of the pilot, Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan — a decorated Indian Army veteran from Jaipur with 15 years of military service.

The ill-fated Bell 407, operated by Aryan Aviation, was carrying pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it lost contact around 5:20 am and crashed into the densely forested terrain near Rudraprayag’s Gaurikund. The cause of the crash remains unknown, officials said.

Chauhan, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army, had clocked over 2,000 hours of flying experience across some of India’s most challenging terrains. He had only recently transitioned to civil aviation, taking charge of the Bell 407 in October last year.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Chauhan led crucial flying missions across border zones and disaster-hit regions during his service. His experience included leading a 50-member team of air traffic personnel and coordinating critical operations along the Punjab border. His humanitarian work included disaster relief, flood rescue missions, and improving infrastructure in remote communities.

“The untimely death of Jaipur’s Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Rajveer Singh Chauhan in the Kedarnath helicopter crash is deeply painful,” said Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, expressing grief over the loss. “The state stands with the Chauhan family in this tragic hour.”

Chauhan had completed his graduation in Economics from the University of Rajasthan in 2007 before joining the Army in 2009.

Confirming the crash, Uttarakhand IG (Law and Order) Nilesh Bharne said, “The helicopter crashed near Gaurikund shortly after it took off. All seven on board have died. We are currently investigating the cause.”

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) released a brief statement noting the crash of the Aryan Aviation chopper due to "unknown reasons."

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said local authorities and rescue teams were on site. “I pray to Baba Kedar for the departed souls and for the safety of all yatris,” he posted on X.

As investigators probe the tragedy, the nation mourns the loss of a soldier who never stopped serving—even in the skies.