Indian tourist killed, another injured in Solukhumbu helicopter collision

SOLUKHUMBU — An Indian national was killed and another passenger sustained injuries after two helicopters collided during landing at the Pheriche helipad in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu, on Tuesday morning.

Civil aviation and police authorities identified the deceased passenger as Basant Kumar, an Indian national. The injured passenger has been identified as Shailesh Kishan Patel.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:11 AM when aircraft operated by Air Dynasty and Fishtail Air collided while maneuvering at the high-altitude helipad. Emergency responders evacuated Shailesh Kishan Patel via a Prabhu Air helicopter to Lukla for urgent medical care.

According to official sources, Captain Rabindra Prajapati, commanding the Air Dynasty aircraft, also sustained injuries in the crash, while Captain Prajwal KC piloted the Fishtail Air helicopter.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and local law enforcement have launched an investigation into the cause of the rotor blade contact during landing.