In a tragic aviation accident in Nepal’s Everest region, two helicopters collided while attempting to land at the Pheriche helipad in Solukhumbu district on Tuesday morning, killing an Indian tourist and injuring three others. The accident occurred at around 8:11 a.m. local time on November 3, 2026, at the Pheriche heliport in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu District.
The two helicopters involved — one operated by Fishtail Air and the other by Air Dynasty — collided during their landing sequence, resulting in the death of 47-year-old Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu, a tourist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who was travelling in the Fishtail Air helicopter.
What Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) Said
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has confirmed that it received reports that the rotor blades of the two helicopters collided during the landing process, and that further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
CAAN Director General Mukesh Dangol, speaking to The Kathmandu Post, provided a crucial insight into what may have caused the collision. According to Dangol, preliminary reports suggest miscommunication between the pilots, as the Pheriche area is outside the coverage of Lukla airport’s air traffic control tower, meaning pilots have to communicate directly with each other.
“We are recording the statement of the injured pilot,” Dangol said, indicating that the investigation is actively gathering first-hand accounts from those involved.
CAAN, along with Nepal Police, is currently gathering information about the incident, though the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
What Solukhumbu Police Chief Said
Chief of Police Solukhumbu, Mausam Tamang, confirmed the incident and provided key details about the collision. According to Tamang, the two helicopters — from Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty — collided at around 8:11 a.m. in Ward 4 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
Tamang also identified the deceased as Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu, an Indian national travelling in the Fishtail Air helicopter.
The District Police Office, Solukhumbu, in its official statement, confirmed that the two helicopters collided while landing at Pheriche.
Watch: Shocking Video of the Nepal Helicopter Collision
The dramatic footage captures the exact moment the two helicopters — operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty — collided while attempting to land at the Pheriche helipad in Nepal’s Everest region. In the video, people at the helipad can be seen waving at the approaching helicopters moments before the impact, and then running for cover as the collision occurs.
The video shows debris scattering across the snow-covered helipad as the two aircraft smash into each other, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the accident.
Warning: The video contains disturbing visuals and may be distressing for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Eyewitness Account: What People at the Helipad Saw
Eyewitnesses at the Pheriche helipad described a scene of chaos and panic as the two helicopters collided. According to accounts and video footage circulating online, people at the helipad were seen waving at the approaching helicopters moments before the collision, and then running for cover as the impact occurred.
The dramatic video, which has gone viral on social media, captures the exact moment the two helicopters smashed into each other while attempting to land on the snow-covered helipad.
The footage shows debris scattering and people rushing away from the crash site, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the accident.
Indian Embassy’s Reaction and Assistance
Following the tragic incident, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has taken cognisance of the matter and is closely monitoring the situation. The Embassy has confirmed that it is in touch with the concerned authorities in Nepal to provide all necessary assistance to the family of the deceased and the injured.
The Embassy has also extended its condolences to the family of Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu and is coordinating with Nepali authorities to ensure the smooth repatriation of the mortal remains to India.
For the injured Indian-origin New Zealand national, Shailesh Krishna Patel, the Embassy is providing consular assistance and coordinating with local hospitals to ensure proper medical care.
Rescue Operation: How the Injured Were Saved
Immediately after the collision, rescue teams from local authorities and nearby trekking operators rushed to the scene. Given Pheriche’s remote location at an altitude of 4,200 metres and limited road access, helicopters were the only viable means of evacuating the injured.
The injured were first provided basic first aid at the site, before being airlifted by another helicopter — including a Prabhu Air aircraft — to Lukla for initial treatment.
From Lukla, the more seriously injured were further airlifted to hospitals in Kathmandu for advanced treatment. One of the injured victims was brought to Nepal Mediciti Hospital in Lalitpur aboard a Prabhu Helicopter for specialised care.
Air Dynasty pilot Rabindra Prajapati, who sustained injuries in the crash, was also airlifted for initial medical treatment.
Rescue teams worked quickly to secure the crash site, ensure no further casualties, and coordinate the evacuation of the injured — a challenging task given the high altitude and difficult terrain of the region.
The Victim: Who Was Vasanth Kumar?
The Indian tourist who lost his life in the accident has been identified as Vasanth Kumar Balaramaramadu, a 47-year-old tourist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Vasanth was in Nepal as part of a tourist group visiting the Everest region, one of the most popular trekking and adventure destinations in the world. His death has left his family and the wider Indian community in shock.
The Injured: Who Else Was Affected
Three other individuals sustained injuries in the collision, including a Nepali captain who was critically injured and immediately rushed to hospital for treatment.
Among the injured is also a New Zealand national of Indian origin, Shailesh Krishna Patel, who has been admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu for treatment.
The injured were provided immediate medical assistance at the scene before being shifted to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.
The Location: Pheriche Helipad in the Everest Region
The accident occurred at the Pheriche helipad, located in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4, Solukhumbu District, Nepal — approximately 250 km from Kathmandu.
Pheriche is a key stop on the Everest Base Camp trek route and serves as an important heliport for tourist and rescue operations in the region. The helipad sees regular helicopter traffic, especially during peak trekking seasons.
The Airlines Involved: Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty
The two helicopters involved in the collision were operated by Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty, both well-known Nepali helicopter operators that regularly serve the Everest region.
Both airlines have been operating in Nepal’s mountainous regions for years, providing tourist transport, rescue operations and cargo services to remote areas.
Investigation: What Caused the Collision
The exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined. Nepal Police and CAAN have launched a full investigation into the incident.
Possible factors being looked into include pilot miscommunication, visibility conditions, air traffic control coordination, pilot error, or mechanical failure. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Public Reaction and Condolences on
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across both India and Nepal, with many expressing condolences to the family of the deceased. Social media has been flooded with messages of sympathy and calls for better safety measures in the region’s aviation sector.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety protocols and air traffic management at busy helipads in Nepal’s mountainous regions, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Bigger Picture: Aviation Safety in Nepal’s Everest Region
Nepal’s Everest region is one of the most challenging aviation environments in the world, with high altitudes, unpredictable weather and difficult terrain. Helicopter accidents, while not common, do occur in the region, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.
This latest incident is likely to prompt a review of safety protocols and air traffic management at helipads across Nepal’s trekking regions.
What Happens Next
With the investigation ongoing, more details about the cause of the collision are expected to emerge in the coming days. The injured are receiving treatment, and the family of the deceased is being provided with consular assistance from the Indian Embassy.
CAAN’s investigation, including the recording of the injured pilot’s statement, will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the collision and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in aviation in Nepal’s mountainous regions, and the need for continued vigilance and improved safety measures.
