“Fatal Helicopter Crash in Solukhumbu District Leaves Six Dead, Including Mexican Tourists and Pilot”

On Tuesday, a Manang Air helicopter met with a fatal accident near Lamjura in Solukhumbu district, resulting in the death of all six individuals on board, including the pilot. The passengers were identified as a Mexican family of five who were on a mountain flight to observe Sherpa culture. The helicopter had departed from Surke and lost communication with the Lukla Airport tower at 10:13am. It was later found in a difficult-to-reach terrain of Likhupike.

This tragic accident adds to the number of helicopter accidents that have occurred in Nepal over the years. Since the first chopper accident 44 years ago, there have been a total of 38 fatal accidents involving helicopters, with four occurring in 2023 alone. The government has formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the crash.

Pilots involved in the rescue operation suspect that the accident may have occurred due to the chopper entering an area filled with monsoon clouds. The rainy season in hilly areas of Nepal presents significant challenges for helicopter pilots, as the monsoon clouds cover the high mountains, making navigation difficult. Captain Gurung, an experienced pilot familiar with the local terrain, may have waited for improved weather conditions before taking off.

This incident has raised concerns about air safety measures in Nepal, with the European Union imposing a ban on Nepalese airlines from flying into its skies since 2013. The EU has urged the Nepal government to enhance air safety by separating the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal into a regulatory body and an air accident investigation body. However, the bill to implement this change has been delayed in the Federal Parliament.

The aviation industry and the tourism sector, which were gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have been deeply affected by this accident. It is crucial for pilots to prioritize safety and exercise caution before taking off to prevent such tragic incidents..