Two private helicopters collided in midair near Mount Everest on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, resulting in one death and two injuries. The accident occurred near Pheriche village, located below the South Base Camp at an altitude of approximately 13,780 feet. The incident has triggered an investigation by Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN) into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Details of the Midair Collision
The collision took place at approximately 08:12 local time as both aircraft approached a landing area from opposite directions. According to verified footage from the BBC, the rotor blades of the two helicopters clipped each other just before they crashed to the ground. Reports indicate the aircraft were only two to three meters above the ground when the impact occurred.
The helicopters involved were operated by two different private companies, Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty. Both aircraft were identified as Airbus AS350 models. Fishtail Air confirmed its helicopter, registered as 9N-AJR, had departed from Gorakshep carrying two foreign nationals. Air Dynasty stated its aircraft, registered as 9N-AOD, was conducting a cargo flight that had departed from Lukla Airport.
The crash claimed the life of a 47-year-old Indian tourist. Two other individuals sustained injuries during the accident. One was a passenger from New Zealand, and the other was the Nepali pilot of one of the helicopters. All injured parties were airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment.
Investigation into Communication Failures
Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority is leading the inquiry into the accident. Mukesh Dangol, the director general of CAAN, indicated that communication difficulties between the pilots may have contributed to the collision. He explained that the area where the crash occurred lies outside the coverage range of the air traffic control tower at Lukla Airport.
Dangol noted that pilots operating in this specific region must communicate directly with one another rather than relying on standard air traffic control guidance. “Preliminary reports suggest miscommunication between the pilots, as the area is outside the coverage of Lukla Airport’s air traffic control tower and pilots have to communicate with each other,” Dangol said.
The accident happened during a peak trekking season in Nepal. Improved weather conditions have drawn thousands of visitors to the region, increasing the volume of air traffic in the Himalayas. Helicopters are a critical component of transportation in this remote area, used for rescuing stranded trekkers, supporting mountaineering expeditions, and transporting supplies to settlements with no road access.
History of Aviation Incidents in the Region
This event adds to a concerning record of helicopter accidents in the Everest region. In July 2023, a Manang Air Airbus AS350 B3e crashed in the Lamajura area of the Solukhumbu district. That accident killed all six people on board, including five Mexican tourists from the same family and the Nepali pilot.
Local communities have also raised concerns about the environmental and social impact of increasing helicopter traffic. Issues such as noise pollution and environmental damage have led to regulatory changes. In December 2025, local authorities and Sagarmatha National Park issued directives restricting sightseeing helicopter flights over the park, with the exception of rescue operations. These restrictions were scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal continues to review safety protocols as the investigation into the November 3 collision proceeds. Authorities are examining flight logs and pilot communications to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the midair impact.
Source: Simple Flying
