Rescue helicopter crash-lands in Lobuche; pilot safe
Aircraft skids on snow-covered helipad during rescue mission amid worsening mountain weather
Shristi Kulung
A rescue helicopter crash-landed at the Lobuche helipad near Everest Base Camp on Wednesday morning after reportedly skidding during landing. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu, Lila Kumari KC Pandey, confirmed that the helicopter, which had flown from Lukla, crashed while attempting to land at around 8:15 a.m. “The helicopter skidded on the snow-covered surface during landing,” Pandey said.
The aircraft had no passengers on board except the pilot, Captain Bibek Khadka, who escaped unhurt. “The pilot is safe and has sustained no injuries,” Pandey added.
According to Altitude Air, the Airbus B3 helicopter was on a rescue mission to evacuate stranded tourists in Lobuche.
“There was thick snow and poor visibility. The helipad was covered, and there was no marshal for hand signals. The helicopter lost balance while landing on the snow. I immediately shut off the fuel supply and pulled the brakes, which prevented a fire and further damage. Fortunately, I was alone on board and escaped without injury,” Captain Khadka told Kantipur Daily.
Authorities said the helicopter suffered significant structural damage, though no secondary fire or explosion occurred.
As heavy snowfall continued in the Everest region on Tuesday, trekkers heading to or returning from Everest Base Camp were forced to halt along the route. Constant snowfall has been reported in areas above Dingboche, two stopovers below Lobuche.
Local authorities said there are currently more than 2,100 domestic and foreign tourists stranded in the upper areas of Solukhumbu district and have urged all to avoid travel until weather conditions improve.
On Tuesday, tourism authorities issued advisories warning climbers and trekkers to avoid high-altitude routes and remain in safe shelters. At least 1,500 trekkers were rescued from Tilicho Lake in the Annapurna region after heavy snowfall disrupted movement. The Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, and Mustang regions were also affected.
This period marks the peak trekking season in Nepal, typically characterized by clear skies and mild conditions. However, this year, snowfall has begun earlier than usual, affecting both air and ground transport.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned of moderate to heavy snowfall in high-hill and mountain areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, including parts of the Everest region. The department cautioned that the weather system, intensified by the remnants of Cyclone Montha from the Bay of Bengal, could increase the risks of landslides, flash floods, and disruptions to air transport and tourism activities in the region.
