Major accident averted at Vaishno Devi shrine, bird collides with a helicopter; pilgrims narrowly escape death.

A major helicopter accident was averted on Friday during the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. A helicopter carrying pilgrims from Sanjichhat to Katra was hit by a bird, damaging its front windshield. The pilot, demonstrating presence of mind, safely landed the helicopter, saving all the pilgrims. The helicopter was carrying seven people, including six pilgrims from Haryana and the pilot.

According to reports, during a routine flight on Friday afternoon at around 2:15 p.m., a Global Vitra helicopter (flight number 33) departed from Sanjichhat for Katra with pilgrims. Near Katra, a bird suddenly struck the helicopter. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the pilot landed the helicopter safely at the Katra helipad. All pilgrims on board are safe. The pilgrims praised the pilot and expressed their gratitude to Mata Vaishno Devi. The helicopter has been grounded for inspection. Other flights continued as normal.

Some major helicopter accidents during the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Katra:

November 23, 2015: A helicopter crashed after being struck by a bird while en route from Katra to Sajhi Chhat. Six pilgrims and a female pilot were killed.

December 30, 2012: A helicopter made an emergency landing in the Trikuta Hills due to a technical fault. Seven people were injured, including six passengers and the pilot.

2007: A helicopter crash-landed near the Katra helipad; all but one survived.

1990: A helicopter crash near Sajhi Chhat killed seven people, including six pilgrims and the pilot.