Khotang, Nepal: A helicopter operated by Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt. Ltd. crashed while attempting to land in Balabesi area of Khotang district in eastern Nepal on Wednesday, leaving one passenger critically injured while all other occupants survived with minor injuries, according to civil aviation officials and local authorities.
The helicopter operated by pilot Sabin Thapa, had departed from Kathmandu, was carrying five passengers along with the body of a deceased individual being transported for final rites. The aircraft was attempting a landing on farmland in Balabesi around 11:51 a.m. local time when it suddenly lost balance and overturned upon touchdown.
Officials confirmed that the helicopter hit the ground during its final approach and rolled sideways before coming to rest, sustaining significant damage. “No human casualties have been recorded. More details are due”, Rekha Kandel, chief district officer of Khotang district told ANI.
The critically injured passenger, identified in local reports as an elderly man, 65, a resident of Lalitpur named Kaji Bahadur, suffered injuries to his leg and eye and was immediately airlifted to Kathmandu for advanced medical treatment using another helicopter dispatched from the same operator.
The helicopter was carrying the lifeless body of Manalakshmi Rai, 77, a resident of Balabensi who passed away a month ago in the UK. The body as reported was being brought by her relatives for cremation.
Also on board the helicopter were the deceased’s husband, Dakmani Rai, 83, son Balkumar Rai, 53, daughter Laxmi Rai, 47 and 40-year-old Samala Rai.
Officials confirmed that all passengers along with the pilot Sabin Thapa were safely rescued from the crash site.
Preliminary assessments suggest the crash may have been triggered by:
- Strong winds at the landing site
- Dust clouds reducing visibility during touchdown
- Loss of control during final landing phase
Authorities have not confirmed the final cause, and a formal investigation has been launched by Nepal’s aviation regulator.
Footage circulating online shows the helicopter descending normally before suddenly tipping on its side during landing. The aircraft then overturned on the uneven terrain, with locals rushing immediately to rescue passengers.
Local residents, along with emergency responders, quickly reached the site and helped evacuate all occupants. Another Air Dynasty helicopter was deployed to transport the injured passenger and pilot to Kathmandu for treatment.
Officials confirmed that emergency response operations were completed within a short time after the incident.
The helicopter involved belongs to Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt. Ltd., one of Nepal’s private helicopter operators frequently used for medical, rescue, and charter flights in mountainous regions.
“One passenger on board the helicopter has been injured. The pilot and other passengers are safe. Another helicopter with registration number 9N-ANA has also been dispatched for the rescue of the injured passenger,” the helicopter company announced in a statement.
Helicopter operations, especially in eastern hill districts like Khotang, are often exposed to sudden wind shifts and dust conditions during landing.
