Nepal Helicopter Collision Near Mount Everest Kills Indian Tourist; Three Injured

An Indian tourist was killed and three people injured after Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty helicopters collided at Pheriche, Nepal.

Pheriche, Nepal | November 3, 2026

Two helicopters operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty collided while attempting to land at the Pheriche helipad in Nepal’s Everest region on Tuesday morning, killing a 47-year-old Indian tourist and injuring three other people, including both pilots.

The accident occurred at approximately 8:11 a.m. local time in Pheriche, located in Solukhumbu district within Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality. The remote settlement lies along the popular trekking route to Mount Everest Base Camp.

According to reports citing Nepalese police and aviation authorities, the deceased was identified as Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu, a 47-year-old Indian national from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was travelling aboard the Fishtail Air helicopter and died at the accident site.

Three people injured

The injured were identified as a passenger and the pilots of the two helicopters.

The passenger, 49-year-old Shailesh Kumar Patel, is a New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. Fishtail Air pilot Rabindra Prajapati and Air Dynasty pilot Prajal K.C. also sustained injuries.

Patel and Prajapati were airlifted to Nepal Mediciti Hospital in Kathmandu for treatment. Air Dynasty pilot Prajal K.C. was taken to a hospital in Lukla. His condition was reported to be stable, according to local reports.

Emergency helicopter services assisted with the evacuation from the remote accident location.

What happened during the landing?

The aircraft involved were operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty. Preliminary reports indicate that their rotor blades struck each other as the helicopters approached the Pheriche helipad.

According to information reported by The Kathmandu Post, the Air Dynasty helicopter had flown from Lukla, while the Fishtail Air helicopter had arrived from Gorakshep.

The collision occurred during landing operations. The precise sequence of events and the factors that led to the aircraft coming into contact remain subjects of investigation.

Aviation authorities begin investigation

Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority and local police have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators are expected to establish the aircraft movements, communication between pilots, landing procedures and other operational factors.

The Civil Aviation Authority's preliminary comments, reported by The Kathmandu Post, raised the possibility of communication problems between pilots operating in an area without coverage from Lukla Airport's air traffic control tower. This has not been established as the final cause.

No definitive conclusion about responsibility or the technical cause should be drawn before the investigation is completed.

Safety concerns in Nepal’s Everest region

Helicopters play an important role in Nepal's Himalayan tourism industry. They transport trekkers, mountaineers and supplies, and are frequently used for medical evacuations and rescue operations in areas where road access is extremely limited.

Pheriche is an important stopping point for visitors travelling towards Everest Base Camp. Its high-altitude location and challenging mountain environment make aviation operations particularly demanding.

The collision has renewed attention on helicopter coordination and landing safety in the Everest region, where aircraft movements increase during busy trekking and climbing seasons.

Authorities are continuing their investigation. Further information about the accident and its findings is expected as officials complete their inquiries.

By News National Editorial Team

Sources: Nepal Civil Aviation Authority information reported by The Kathmandu Post; Nepal Police information reported by OnlineKhabar; News On AIR.