Narrow escape for Manimahesh devotees as vulture hits helicopter

DHARAMSHALA: A helicopter carrying Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims narrowly avoided disaster when a vulture collided with it at high altitude. The helicopter, operated by Thumby Aviation, was flying from Gaurikund to Bharmour when the bird struck, breaking the glass on the passenger side and injuring one of the pilgrims, 40-year-old Vikesh Sharma from Azad Nagar in Una. There were seven persons on board, including the pilot.

Helicopter was flying at 13,000 feet

The accident occurred around 9 am when the helicopter was flying at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet near Dhancho, a point on the yatra route located at an altitude of about 11,000 feet. Manimahesh, the destination of the pilgrimage, is at an elevation of around 13,500 feet above sea level.

As the helicopter returned from Gaurikund to Bharmour, a vulture suddenly collided with the glass on its passenger side. The impact caused the glass to shatter, leading to panic among the passengers. Vikesh Sharma, one of the pilgrims, suffered minor injuries from the broken glass.

Passengers screamed in panic

The incident caused a moment of chaos, with passengers screaming in fear. However, the pilot acted swiftly and wisely, urging everyone to remain calm and assuring them of a safe landing. His response helped restore order among the terrified passengers.

The helicopter managed to land safely at the Bharmour helipad shortly after the collision. The helicopter has since been grounded and covered, awaiting further investigation by a team from Delhi.
Had the vulture struck the glass on the pilot’s side, the situation could have been much more dangerous, potentially leading to a severe accident.