1 Dead, 2 Injured After 2 Helicopters Collide On Mount Everest

Published Nov 3, 2026, 1:47 PM EST Experienced ICAO English Language Proficiency Instructor for pilots and ATCOs and conference interpreter who is passionate about facilitating effective communication within aviation-related businesses. Possess a deep understanding of the aviation industry, including aviation regulations, terminology, and industry-specific communication protocols. Has been working at numerous airshows across Europe since 2014. Being an ultralight pilot in her free time, she also promotes safety and efficiency in aviation operations. Based in Italy and Malta Two helicopters have collided while attempting to land in Nepal's Mount Everest region, killing an Indian tourist and injuring two other people, according to initial reports. The accident happened on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, near Pheriche village, below Mount Everest's South Base Camp, during one of Nepal's busiest trekking periods. Two private helicopter companies, Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty, operated the aircraft, which reportedly approached the same landing area when the collision occurred. The incident has raised fresh concerns about helicopter operations in the Himalayas, where aviation plays an important role in transporting tourists, rescuing stranded trekkers, and supporting mountaineering expeditions. Although helicopters provide an essential transportation link in this remote region, operating at extreme altitudes presents considerable challenges for pilots and aircraft. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Two Helicopters Collide While Landing Near Everest Base Camp Credit: Alejandro Renzo Lim | Shutterstock According to ABC News, the collision occurred at Pheriche village, approximately 13,780 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level. Both helicopters were attempting to land in the area when they collided midair and crashed to the ground. A 47-year-old Indian tourist died, while a passenger from New Zealand and a Nepali pilot sustained injuries. All injured were later airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment. The helicopters involved belonged to Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty, two private operators serving Nepal's mountainous regions. Fishtail Air confirmed its aircraft was transporting passengers, while an Air Dynasty representative said its helicopter was carrying cargo. The incident occurred during a particularly busy period for trekking tourism, with thousands of visitors traveling through the region after improved weather conditions. Airbus AS350 Helicopters Were Involved In The Accident Credit: Daz Hopper Photography | Shutterstock Further details published by The Kathmandu Post identified both aircraft as Airbus AS350 helicopters. The Air Dynasty aircraft, registered as 9N-AOD, departed Lukla Airport on a cargo flight, while Fishtail Air's 9N-AJR took off from Gorakshep carrying two foreign nationals. The collision reportedly happened at approximately 08:12 AM local time, as the helicopters approached the helipad from opposite directions. Footage verified by the BBC showed the helicopters' rotor blades clipping each other shortly before both aircraft came down. According to The Kathmandu Post, the collision occurred when the helicopters were still approximately 2–3 meters above the ground. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation, although preliminary reports point to a possible communication failure between the pilots. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is investigating the collision. Its director general, Mukesh Dangol, suggested that communication difficulties could have contributed to the incident because the location is outside the coverage of Lukla Airport's air traffic control tower. He explained that pilots operating in the area must communicate directly with one another. Dangol told The Kathmandu Post: “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”. Everest Helicopter Operations Face Safety Concerns Credit: branislavpudar | Shutterstock The latest accident adds to a history of serious helicopter incidents in the Everest region. In July 2023, a Manang Air Airbus AS350 B3e crashed in the Lamajura area of Solukhumbu district while returning to Kathmandu following a sightseeing flight. All six people aboard the helicopter died, including five Mexican tourists from the same family and the Nepali pilot, according to The Kathmandu Post. Helicopter operations in the Everest region have also faced growing criticism from local communities concerned about noise pollution, environmental damage, and the rising number of sightseeing flights. In December 2025, local authorities and Sagarmatha National Park issued directives restricting sightseeing helicopter flights over the park, except for rescue operations. The restrictions were scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Nevertheless, helicopters remain essential to Nepal's mountain tourism industry. With no road access to many settlements and trekking locations, aircraft provide a vital means of transporting supplies, supporting climbers, and evacuating people with altitude sickness or injuries. The latest collision will likely renew discussions about air traffic coordination, landing procedures, and operational safety in one of the world's most challenging environments.