Pilot’s quick action averted major disaster, says Air Dynasty passenger

KATHMANDU: A passenger onboard an Air Dynasty helicopter that crash-landed in Khotang on Wednesday said the pilot’s swift decision to shut down the engine immediately after impact helped prevent a major disaster.

Bal Kumar Rai, who was seated in the front, said the incident felt like a dream and that many on board were momentarily disoriented. “Despite such an accident, we survived. The pilot switched off the engine right away, which prevented further damage,” he said.

The helicopter met with an accident while landing at Balabensi in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-2. Videos circulating on social media show the chopper touching down at a helipad before suddenly tipping over and crashing into a nearby slope.

According to Rai, the passengers were travelling to attend the funeral of his mother, Manalaxmi Rai (77), who had passed away in the United Kingdom a month ago. Those on board included his father Dakmani Rai (82), his sister Laxmi Rai, relative Samala Rai, and Kaji Bahadur Rai, a resident of Lalitpur. Kaji Bahadur sustained injuries in the crash.

Manalaxmi’s body was being transported separately by road and was scheduled to arrive in Balabensi on Thursday.

The helicopter was piloted by Captain Sabin Thapa, who has seven years of flying experience and has logged over 1,100 flight hours, according to the company.

Air Dynasty has said that the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined. The company’s Spokesperson and Senior Manager, Bal Krishna Pandit, said in a statement on Wednesday that the company is coordinating with relevant authorities to investigate the crash.

Following the incident, a rescue helicopter airlifted Captain Thapa and the injured Kaji Bahadur to Kathmandu. The injured passenger is currently undergoing treatment at HAMS Hospital.

The helicopter’s rotor blades and tail section have been found broken at the crash site.