Altitude Air Helicopter Crash Report Confirms ‘White Out’ Condition

Summary: On October 29, 2025 (12 Kartik 2082), the Altitude Air helicopter with registration number 9N-AMS crashed at Lobuche in Solukhumbu amid confirmed ‘white out’ conditions. The report cites reduced visibility caused by fresh snow on the helipad as a key factor in the accident during landing. A government-appointed committee recommended improved flight regulation, risk assessment, and clearer helipad markers. Kathmandu, March 28 — The final investigation report into the October 29 helicopter accident in Lobuche, Solukhumbu, involving Altitude Air’s 9N-AMS, has been released by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

The report confirms the helicopter experienced a white out condition during landing. The helipad at Lobuche was covered with fresh snow, significantly reducing visibility. The pilot reported feeling instability as the helicopter descended. During this, the main rotor struck the ground, causing the helicopter to overturn. Although there were no casualties, the helicopter sustained serious damage, according to the findings.

The helicopter was operating a charter flight and had reached Lobuche as its sixth flight of the day. No technical faults were found with the aircraft.

The report raises concerns regarding the absence of sufficient responsible officials in Lukla, questioning the effectiveness of flight regulation and risk assessment in the area. Despite limited visibility due to fresh snow on the helipad, the pilot continued with the landing, leading to the accident. The white out condition and the pilot’s inability to correct the helicopter’s imbalance contributed to the overturning.

Ground staff were not present in Lobuche during the flight to assist the pilot, which the report identified as a shortcoming. It recommends that all helicopter operators must station necessary personnel at sub-bases during busy periods to assist with landing operations. Additionally, pilots should be fully informed about landing site conditions and weather prior to flights.

For operations in remote and rescue missions, the report suggests preparing risk assessments before flights. It also advises installing clear and quality markers at helipads in high Himalayan areas like Lobuche and calls for developing specific guidelines for flying in high mountain regions.

Only Captain Vivek Khadka was aboard the helicopter during the flight. The helicopter took off from Lukla at 7:41 a.m. and arrived in Lobuche at 7:52 a.m. on the day of the accident.