Two Helicopters Collide at Pheriche Helipad

In the early morning of 3rd November 2026, in Nepal’s Khumbu region, two commercial helicopters collided on the ground at the Pheriche helipad. One foreign tourist was killed, and a senior pilot was injured. The incident has again drawn attention to aviation safety in the world’s most challenging mountain terrain.

What Happened?

The incident happened at the Pheriche helipad, which is about 4,371 meters, or 14,340 feet, above sea level and serves as an important transport and medical evacuation point for trekkers and climbers traveling to or from Mount Everest Base Camp.

According to preliminary briefings from Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN), the accident involved a Fishtail Air helicopter, piloted by Captain Prajjwal KC, and an Air Dynasty helicopter, flown by Captain Rabindra Prajapati.
The collision occurred during landing. Early reports say the rotor blades of the two helicopters hit each other on the helipad, causing severe damage.

Casualties and Immediate Rescue Response

The collision resulted in immediate casualties:
• Fatalities: One foreign tourist, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, tragically lost their life in the accident.
• Injuries: Captain Rabindra Prajapati, the pilot commanding the Air Dynasty aircraft, sustained injuries during the impact.

Local authorities and nearby aviation crews reacted quickly. A Simrik Air helicopter was dispatched to the site for an emergency evacuation. Captain Prajapati and the others were rescued and airlifted to Lukla for medical treatment.

The Reality of High-Altitude Aviation in Nepal

Pheriche is an important hub for the Everest tourism industry. Because the air is very thin at over 14,000 feet, helicopters often fly in and out to carry gear, evacuate sick trekkers with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and transport luxury travelers. However, helipads in these areas are often small, tightly scheduled, and exposed to sudden winds, making takeoffs and landings very difficult.

What’s Next? Investigation Underway

Solukhumbu Chief District Officer Kaman Thapa Magar, along with safety inspectors from CAAN, confirmed that an official investigation has started. Investigators will look at the landing time, communication between the pilots, and possible environmental factors such as wind shear or low visibility that may have contributed to the blade strike. As the Everest climbing and trekking season continues, this tragic event is a reminder of how fragile safety can be at the roof of the world.

Our Thoughts

At AeroAtonnect Nepal, we are deeply saddened by the heartbreaking incident at the Pheriche helipad. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the tourist who tragically lost their life, and we extend our heartfelt wishes to Captain Rabindra Prajapati for a swift and full recovery. The aviation community in Nepal operates as a tight-knit family under some of the world's most challenging conditions, and a loss like this is felt deeply by us all.

(More Details to Follow)