A helicopter crash-landed in Khotang on Wednesday, March 18, leaving one passenger injured. The pilot and other passengers onboard reportedly escaped unharmed. The chopper was carrying a dead body at the time.
A helicopter, operated by Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt Ltd, was flying from Kathmandu to the Khotang district in Nepal when it crashed while trying to land on a farm in Balabesi.
The chopper tipped over during landing. The helicopter, 9N-AFQ, had five passengers on board when it crashed at around 11.51 am local time.
“The helicopter crashed while landing in the farmland. It was carrying a dead body and had flown in from Kathmandu. No human casualties have been recorded. More details are due,” said Rekha Kandel, Chief District Officer of Khotang District.
The video shared on social media shows the helicopter struggling to land on hilly land. It suddenly tipped over, rolled, and its tail hit a mountain wall. The crash was so strong that the helicopter was badly damaged. People at the scene rushed to help the passengers get out safely.
Authorities suspect that strong winds or dust may have caused the mishap. When it hit the ground, a large cloud of dust rose from the site. The helicopter was reduced to rubble.
Helicopter operated by Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt. Ltd. crashes while landing in Khotang; one passenger injured, pilot and others safe.
Preliminary cause suspected to be strong winds or dust.#Nepal pic.twitter.com/au6YRncx8U
— Smriti Sharma (@SmritiSharma_) March 18, 2026
Rescue teams reached the site promptly, and the injured passenger was taken for medical treatment in Kathmandu.
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The helicopter company said one passenger was injured, but the pilot and the other passengers were safe. To help, another helicopter with registration 9N-ANA was sent to rescue the injured passenger.
As per the company, pilot Sabin Thapa was on board the helicopter.
In January 2023, Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crashed while flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara in Nepal. The plane, an ATR 72, crashed while trying to land in Pokhara, killing all 68 passengers and four crew members.
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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
