Khotang helicopter crash: Pilot immediately turned off engine after impact, survivors say

KHOTANG: At least six people were injured when an Air Dynasty helicopter struck a wall while attempting to land at Balabensi in the Khartamchha area of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality‑2, Khotang district, officials said on Wednesday.

The chopper, registered 9N‑AFQ, hit a wall at 12:02 pm while carrying five passengers from Kathmandu, Deputy Superintendent of Police Prakash Budhathoki said. Six people, including the pilot, were on board at the time of the accident.

The helicopter was transporting the body of 77‑year‑old Manalakshmi Rai, a resident of Balanbensi, who had died in the United Kingdom about a month earlier; relatives were bringing her body home for cremation.

Those on board were named as the deceased’s husband, 83‑year‑old Dakmani Rai; son Balkumar Rai, 53; daughter Laxmi Rai, 47; 40‑year‑old Samala Rai; 65‑year‑old Kaji Bahadur Rai of Lalitpur; and pilot Sabin Thapa. Kaji Bahadur sustained injuries to his right leg and eye.

Kaji Bahadur and pilot Sabin Thapa were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment at 12:35 pm by another Air Dynasty helicopter, police said.

Kepilasgadhi Ward No. 2 Chairperson Milan Kumar Rai said the relatives who were on board the helicopter are safe. Balkumar Rai, who was seated in the front, described the moments after the crash and credited the pilot’s quick action with preventing further harm. “It feels like a scary dream when I think about the incident. Everyone's fate had already flown away. I was sitting in the front seat,” he said. “Even in such an accident, we were able to survive. The pilot immediately turned off the engine. Once the running engine was turned off, we were saved from further damage.”

Police and local authorities were at the scene to investigate the cause of the crash and to assist the injured and the bereaved family. Further details on the condition of the injured and the findings of the investigation were awaited.

(With input from RSS)