Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, visited the crash site of the Air Dynasty helicopter in Nuwakot to assess the situation.
During a briefing to the International Relations and Tourism Committee today, Minister Pandey stated that the crash appeared to have occurred when the pilot attempted to turn the helicopter back.
The Air Dynasty helicopter crashed on Wednesday in Shivapuri Rural Municipality-7 of Nuwakot while en route from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi, Rasuwa. The tragic accident claimed the lives of the pilot and four Chinese nationals.
“Initial findings suggest that the pilot attempted to turn the helicopter back due to unfavorable weather conditions,” Minister Pandey informed the committee.
He further explained that the crash site was above a place called Jhor, in a pass area. The helicopter seemed to crash while trying to turn left, evident from cut bushes. Subsequently, bushes to the right were also cut, indicating the helicopter’s descent. Bags and shoes were found scattered in that area.
About 50 meters from there, the helicopter was found burnt on the ground, Minister Pandey noted.
According to Minister Pandey, the helicopter had flown from Kathmandu to drop off Chinese nationals in Syafrubesi and was scheduled to bring American nationals back on the return trip.
