Three dead in Nepal plane crash

A view of Summit Air crash in Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, Solukhumbhu district on Sunday, April 14, 2019. Photos courtesy: Devraj Lama/Lukla

A small plane has crashed into a parked helicopter while preparing to take off near Mount Everest, leaving three dead including the co-pilot.

Summit Air, a privately owned airline based in Nepal, released a statement on its Facebook page confirming its aircraft had an accident during take-off from Tenzing-Hillary Airport at  Lukla.

The airline said though there were no passengers on board, three crew members were injured, and first officer Sujit Dhungana later succumbed to his injuries.

Two other men believed to be security guards at the helipad were also killed in the accident.

“I am absolutely shocked. This is a very difficult moment for all of us at Summit Air,” Manoj Karki, managing director of Summit Air said.

“Our first priority now is the well-being of the injured persons and family members of those affected by this unfortunate accident.”

Tenzing-Hillary Airport is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to the shortness of its runway and its proximity to mountainous ranges.

Summit Air released also confirmed the plane’s pilot and flight attendant have been discharged from hospital and the three other injured people, believed to be ground workers, are receiving medical treatment but are out of danger.

Latest News

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]