New Delhi, November 2, 2026: Colonel (Retd.) Himanshu Sabharwal, a former Indian Army officer and experienced helicopter pilot, was among six people killed in a tragic helicopter crash near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on October 30, 2026. The 48-year-old retired officer, who had transitioned from military service to civilian aviation, was piloting a helicopter operated by Trans Bharat Aviation Pvt. Ltd. when the accident occurred.
Colonel Sabharwal, a resident of Shalimar Bagh in West Delhi, had served in the Indian Army Aviation Corps before taking premature retirement and pursuing a career in commercial helicopter operations. His military associations reportedly included the Sikh Light Infantry, and he had also served in a commanding appointment during his Army career.
The ill-fated helicopter, bearing registration number VT-HCX and identified as an AS350B3 single-engine aircraft, departed from the Badrinath civil helipad at approximately 1:14 pm on October 30. It was heading towards Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun with five passengers and Colonel Sabharwal at the controls.
Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter lost communication and disappeared from tracking systems while flying over the Joshimath valley. Army personnel stationed in the region reportedly observed smoke and the aircraft rapidly losing altitude near the Hathi Parvat area. Its wreckage was subsequently located in a forested mountainous area near Chai village, close to the JP Power House and Marwari Bridge.
All six occupants lost their lives in the accident. The five passengers, who were from Karnataka, were identified as Arun Salunke, a 44-year-old Bengaluru Central Crime Branch police inspector; H.S. Nataraja; Pratapa; Sudhir K.; and V.B. Shankar Gowda.
Personnel from the Indian Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, Uttarakhand Police and district administration participated in the search and recovery operations. Difficult mountainous terrain, poor visibility and adverse weather conditions complicated the operation. All six bodies were eventually recovered from the accident site.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation initiated a preliminary assessment, while aviation authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. Although adverse weather and reduced visibility were reported in the region, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been established. Trans Bharat Aviation also grounded its helicopter fleet as a precautionary measure.
Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Colonel Sabharwal is being remembered for his distinguished military background, professional flying experience and warm personality.
A longtime resident of West Shalimar Bagh, he completed his Class XII education at Modern Public School in the neighbourhood. Residents who had known him since childhood described him as a cheerful, respectful and generous individual who maintained strong ties with his community despite his demanding professional commitments.
His neighbour Rakesh Grover recalled that Sabharwal was widely known as “Colonel” in the locality because of his Army service and commanding appointments. According to neighbours, his visits to the neighbourhood were always memorable, and his presence brought warmth and happiness to those around him.
Former colleagues and fellow Army officers also paid tributes to the retired Colonel, remembering him as a skilled aviator, humble leader and fine officer who readily shared his professional knowledge and experience with juniors.
During his civilian aviation career, Colonel Sabharwal was also associated with special helicopter operations, including ceremonial flower-petal showers over the Sri Harmandir Sahib area in Amritsar during celebrations marking Guru Ram Das Ji’s Parkash Purab. He reportedly considered participating in such religious and ceremonial flights a privilege.
His sudden demise has left his family, friends and former military colleagues deeply saddened. He is survived by his wife, two children, parents and younger brother, Kunal Sabharwal, who is an advocate based in Delhi.
For those who knew him, Colonel Himanshu Sabharwal will be remembered not merely as an experienced helicopter pilot but as a dedicated former Army officer who continued his passion for aviation after leaving military service.
His tragic death marks the loss of an experienced aviator whose career spanned both military and civilian aviation, leaving behind a legacy of professional commitment, leadership and service.
