SayItIsntSo
9th Jul 2009, 06:25
Himalayan Helicopters had an accident with their SA 315B Lama earlier today whilst landing at the Amarnath Caves, in Jammu & Kashmir, northern India. The pilot was seriously injured, the passengers had various degrees of injury and sadly one person on the ground was reported killed. It is believed that the aircraft suffered a tail-rotor malfunction whilst on approach to the 12,000 foot landing point.
Helicopters operate about two months a year at Amarnath carrying hundreds (and frequently thousands) of pilgrims every day between Baltal, which is at 9,000 feet, to the Amarnath Caves at 12,000 feet and back again.
The Caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the god Shiva. The shrine, which is claimed to be over 5,000 years old, forms an important part of ancient Hindu mythology. Inside the main Amarnath cave there is an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter.
The Helicopter Service has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation by DGCA India and removal of the wreckage.
Helicopters operate about two months a year at Amarnath carrying hundreds (and frequently thousands) of pilgrims every day between Baltal, which is at 9,000 feet, to the Amarnath Caves at 12,000 feet and back again.
The Caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism, dedicated to the god Shiva. The shrine, which is claimed to be over 5,000 years old, forms an important part of ancient Hindu mythology. Inside the main Amarnath cave there is an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter.
The Helicopter Service has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation by DGCA India and removal of the wreckage.