Helicopter Crash in Lobuche: Altitude Air Chopper Crash-Lands Near Everest Region, Pilot Safe
Kathmandu, October 29 — A helicopter crash in Lobuche occurred on Wednesday morning when an Altitude Air Airbus B3 chopper crash-landed near the Everest region during a rescue mission. Thankfully, there were no casualties, and the pilot has been confirmed safe.
Details of the Accident
According to Nima Nuru Sherpa, Chairperson of Altitude Air, the helicopter was piloted by Instructor Captain Bibek Khadka when the accident took place. “Captain Khadka is safe,” Sherpa said, confirming that a Kailash Helicopter was immediately dispatched to conduct the rescue operation and assist with recovery efforts.
Eyewitnesses from Lobuche, a remote settlement located at an altitude of around 4,940 meters, reported that the Airbus B3 helicopter suffered significant damage while attempting to land on a rugged and uneven surface. The pilot managed to make a controlled crash landing, minimizing impact and avoiding injuries.
Mission Background
The helicopter, registered as 9N-AMS, had taken off from Lukla Airport at 7:41 a.m. on a rescue mission to airlift stranded foreign trekkers who were facing altitude sickness and poor weather conditions in the Everest region. The aircraft crashed at approximately 7:52 a.m. during its landing attempt at Lobuche, just below Everest Base Camp.
A statement released by Altitude Air later that morning confirmed the timeline and assured that Captain Khadka was quickly evacuated and flown to Kathmandu for medical evaluation. He is reported to be in stable condition.
Investigation Underway
Officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) have begun investigating the cause of the helicopter crash in Lobuche. Preliminary reports suggest that challenging weather conditions, thin air, and reduced visibility at high altitude may have contributed to the mishap.
The Everest region is known for its rapidly changing weather, strong crosswinds, and narrow landing zones—all of which make helicopter operations particularly risky. Despite the difficulties, helicopters are an essential lifeline in this area, used daily for rescue missions, medical evacuations, and logistics support for trekkers and climbers.
The Growing Risk of Everest Helicopter Accidents
This Everest helicopter accident adds to a growing list of aviation challenges faced by operators in the Himalayas. The increasing number of flights for trekking, rescue, and tourism purposes has raised safety concerns, especially during peak trekking seasons.
Experts say that while Nepal’s helicopter pilots are among the most skilled in the world, unpredictable mountain weather and limited emergency landing zones make accidents difficult to avoid. Recent efforts by the government and aviation companies aim to strengthen pilot training, safety monitoring, and air traffic coordination in high-altitude areas like Lukla, Namche, and Lobuche.
Safety and Response
Following the incident, rescue teams and aviation authorities responded swiftly. The damaged helicopter remains grounded in Lobuche pending an investigation and airlift removal. Altitude Air has expressed gratitude to the rescue team and partner company Kailash Helicopter for their immediate assistance.
“Safety has always been our top priority. We’re relieved that our pilot is safe and that no lives were lost,” said a spokesperson for Altitude Air in a follow-up statement.
Conclusion
The helicopter crash in Lobuche serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in Himalayan aviation and the bravery of pilots who operate in some of the world’s most extreme flying environments. As the Everest trekking season continues, authorities urge all operators to exercise heightened caution amid fluctuating weather conditions and increased flight traffic.
Further updates on the Everest helicopter accident are expected once the CAAN releases its official investigation report.
Editor’s Note: More details will be shared as verified information becomes available from civil aviation and rescue authorities
.webp)
