3 killed as plane crashes into helicopter at Mount Everest airfield (PHOTOS)
At least three people have been killed and four others injured at the Tenzing–Hillary Airport in Nepal after a small plane crashed into a helicopter during a botched take-off.
Two killed, 5 injured in Summit Air crash in Lukla this morning, 14.04. While taking off for Ramechhap, a Summit Air aircraft with crew members on-board took a wrong direction and hit a nearby parked chopper. Photos: Devraj Lama. @JacdecNew@AviationSafetyhttps://t.co/mFf8EaJYC5pic.twitter.com/0M4tf8XeV2
— Aeronews (@AeronewsRO) April 14, 2019
The incident happened on Sunday morning at the airfield, which serves as a major gateway to Mount Everest, local media reported. A small plane operated by local airline Summit Air went in the wrong direction during take-off and crashed into a parked helicopter, according to the Himalayan Times. According to AP, the helicopter was owned by Manang Air, another local airline.
Plane crash in lukla soluhkumbu 2076/01/01 pic.twitter.com/E1vjas9JP0
— Suvas Chandra Pokharel (@pokharel_suvas) April 14, 2019
The co-pilot of the plane and a police official stationed at the airport for security were killed on the spot, while another policeman died in hospital, succumbing to a serious injury. The pilot and three other crew members survived and are being treated at a hospital in Kathmandu after being airlifted there.
The airport, which is also known by the name of its host town, Lukla, was shut down after the incident. The airfield is notorious for its short runway and perilous approach, sitting at an elevation of over 2,800 meters.
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