Nepal Helicopter Crash: One Injured During Landing in Khotang
Nepal Helicopter Crash: One Injured During Landing in Khotang
A helicopter operated by Air Dynasty crashed while landing in Balbesi, Khotang District. One passenger injured; pilot and other occupants unharmed; rescue efforts underway.
A private helicopter operated by Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt. Ltd. crashed during landing in Balbesi village, Khotang District, in eastern Nepal, on Wednesday morning, around 11:50 am local time, while attempting to touch down in a farmland field. The aircraft was ferrying a dead body along with five passengers from Kathmandu when the incident occurred, according to authorities. The helicopter failed to settle smoothly and overturned as it landed, leading to the crash but with no immediate reports of fatalities. Three crew and five passengers had been on board along with the deceased, bringing the total to six people on board for this mission.
The helicopter, registered 9N-ASQ, did not burst into flames on impact, and rescue teams and local responders rushed to assist those on board. One passenger was reported injured, while the pilot and the remaining occupants were not injured in the initial aftermath. A second helicopter with registration 9N-ANA was dispatched to assist with the rescue and potential medical evacuation of the injured passenger. The incident disrupted routine flights in the area as teams worked to secure the site and provide medical care.
A 74-year-old passenger with injuries to the leg and eye was admitted to Hams Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment, illustrating the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the landing. The aircraft had flown in from Kathmandu and was carrying a dead body, in addition to five other people on board. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and local authorities are conducting a preliminary investigation into the cause of the crash. Early assessments suggest high winds or dust during landing as possible contributing factors, though officials cautioned that a final determination would require a formal inquiry.
Officials stressed that no fatalities had been reported at the time of the initial assessments, and rescue teams remained on the scene to secure the area and assist any additional injured persons. Investigators will review weather conditions, flight data, and pilot statements to determine what went wrong and what safety measures may need strengthening in future operations.
