Kathmandu, March 18
An Air Dynasty helicopter (9N-AFQ) crashed in Khotang on Wednesday around midday.
The helicopter, which took off from Kathmandu at 11:00 am carrying five passengers, was involved in an accident at 11:51 am while attempting to land at Balabesi in Khartamcha, Ward No. 2 of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality.
One passenger sustained minor injuries in the crash. Kaji Bahadur Rai, a resident of Kathmandu, suffered a minor injury to his right leg, according to Ward Chair Milan Kumar Rai.
According to the ward chair, the helicopter was carrying relatives of Nagmani Rai. The body of his wife, Manmachhi Rai, who had died in the UK, was being brought to Nepal for her final rites.
Ward Chair Rai said, “Since all five passengers were onboard, there was no space to carry the body in the helicopter. The body was sent separately in a hearse, while the family travelled from Kathmandu to Khotang by helicopter. The crash occurred during landing.”
He added that the body is expected to arrive in Khotang only on Thursday, based on information received from family members.
Those on board the helicopter included Nagmani Rai, his son, Bal Kumar Rai; his daughter, Samjhana Rai; his relative, Laxmi Rai; and Kaji Bahadur Rai.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) also confirmed that the helicopter, which was flying from Kathmandu to Khotang, overturned during landing. According to CAAN, all crew members and other passengers are safe except for one, who sustained minor injuries. The injured passenger has been rescued and brought back to Kathmandu by another helicopter operated by the company.
