KATHMANDU, March 19: Six people were injured when an Air Dynasty helicopter made a crash landing at Balanbensi in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-2, Khotang, on Wednesday afternoon.
The helicopter (9N-AFQ), carrying five passengers from Kathmandu, struck a wall while attempting to land at around 12:02 pm, the state-run RSS reported citing Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Budhathoki.
Among those on board, passenger Kaji Bahadur Rai, 65, of Lalitpur, sustained injuries to his right leg and eye. He and the pilot, Sabin Thapa, were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment at around 12:35 pm by another Air Dynasty helicopter.
Paragliding pilots with health issues not allowed to fly
According to Milan Rai, Ward Chairperson of Khartamchha, Kaji Bahadur was rescued from beneath the crashed chopper.
According to RSS, the helicopter was transporting family members of Manalakshmi Rai, 77, a resident of Balanbensi who died in the United Kingdom about a month ago. The family had traveled home for her cremation. Arrangements were made to transport her body separately by road.
Other passengers included Manalakshmi's husband, Dakmani Rai (82); son, Balkumar Rai (53); daughter, Laxmi Rai (47); and relative, Samala Rai (40). All of them were reported safe.
Balkumar Rai, who was seated in the front, credited the pilot's quick actions for preventing a more serious disaster. "It feels like a dream when I recall the incident," he said. "We survived because the pilot immediately shut down the engine after the crash, preventing further damage."
Air Dynasty confirmed that pilot Sabin Thapa has around seven years of experience and has logged 1,105 flight hours.
According to the company, the helicopter had landed on the edge of a field and was being repositioned when its rear section overturned, leading to the accident. The rotor blades and tail section were found damaged at the site.
The company stated it is coordinating with relevant authorities to determine the exact cause of the incident. A team of experts from Kathmandu has since returned after completing a preliminary assessment at the site.
-1200x560-1773818828.webp)
-1773673205.webp)
