A helicopter crash in the mountains northwest of Kathmandu in Nepal has claimed the lives of all five people on board. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, when the helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350 operated by Nepal-based Air Dynasty, crashed in the Suryachaur area, a mountainous region covered in dense forest.
Helicopter Crash In Nepal Claims Lives Of All 5 On Board
Today a plane crashed in the north western region of Kathmandu.
5 people were died
May their souls rest in peace
😭😭#HelicopterCrash #Nepal pic.twitter.com/R7szHN9aLu— Firoz (@Firoz_365) August 8, 2024
The helicopter took off from Kathmandu International Airport at 1:54 p.m. local time. It was en route to Syaprubeshi, a popular destination in the Rasuwa district. However, just three minutes after takeoff, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control. This alarming development prompted an immediate search and rescue operation.
Authorities dispatched police and army personnel to the crash site, supported by two rescue helicopters. The wreckage was found in the rugged terrain of Suryachaur, northwest of the capital city. Rescuers quickly retrieved the bodies of all five victims from the scene.
Also Read: Private Helicopter Crashes In Maharashtra; Two Pilots Injured While Trying To Escape The Crash
Troubled History Of Aviation Incidents
As per reports by AP News, Krishna Prasad Humagai, the government administrator for Nuwakot district, confirmed that the deceased included four Chinese nationals and a Nepali pilot. The identities of the passengers and the purpose of their journey have not yet been disclosed. The recovery operation was challenging due to the remote location and the forested, mountainous landscape.
This tragic accident has sent shockwaves through Nepal, a country with a troubled history of aviation incidents. The crash occurred just two weeks after another aviation disaster, where a passenger plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu airport, killing 18 people. In that incident, one pilot survived, though seriously injured.
Nepal’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather have long posed significant risks to aviation. The country is known for its difficult mountainous landscape, which can make flying particularly hazardous. Pilots often navigate through narrow valleys and unpredictable weather conditions, which require exceptional skill and experience. Despite these challenges, air travel remains a crucial mode of transportation in Nepal, connecting remote regions that are otherwise inaccessible by road.
Also Read: Uttarakhand: Helicopter Carrying 6 Passengers Makes An Emergency Landing In Kedarnath
Deccan Chronicle reported that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has launched an investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash. Preliminary reports suggest that weather conditions were relatively stable at the time of the incident, though further analysis is required. The investigation will examine all aspects of the flight, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, pilot experience, and communication logs with air traffic control.
Cover Image Courtesy: @Firoz_365/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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