Manang Air Helicopter Accident in Nepal Takes Toll of Six Lives
Heartbreaking Tragedy: Six Lives Perish in Nepal Helicopter Crash
by Nagpur Trends Team | Published on 2023-07-11 15:38:26
On Tuesday morning, a helicopter carrying six individuals met with a fatal crash in the Lamjura area. The ill-fated helicopter, registered as 9N-AMV and operated by Manang Air, was reported missing until it was discovered later by residents at Chihandanda, confirmed Nwang Lhakpa Sherpa, the deputy chair of the rural municipality.
Upon receiving the news, an Altitude Air helicopter and security officials were immediately dispatched to the Lamjura Pass region to commence search and rescue operations for the downed chopper. Raju Neupane, the operation and safety manager of Manang Air, informed the Kathmandu Post that the last known location of the helicopter was pinpointed at 10:12 am in the Lamjura Pass area.
The Manang Air helicopter, carrying five unidentified Mexican nationals and senior captain Chet B Gurung, took off from Surke Airport in Solukhumbu district at 10:04 am en route to Kathmandu. Tragically, at 10:13 am, the helicopter abruptly lost contact while flying at an altitude above 12,000 feet, according to Gyanendra Bhul, the Manager at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Teknath Sitaula, the spokesperson for TIA, provided an update on the current situation, stating, "It has been reported that the helicopter of Manang Air is out of contact. There is no communication with the tower. When it reached the Lamjura pass, it was reported that the helicopter only received a 'hello' message on Viber. The search is currently underway."
Manang Air, a Kathmandu-based helicopter airline established in 1997, specializes in commercial air transportation within Nepal under the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The company offers chartered services, with a focus on providing personalized experiences such as adventure flights, helicopter excursions, and expedition work.
As search and rescue efforts persist, authorities and aviation experts are diligently working to ascertain the cause of this tragic incident. The community's thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this distressing event.