Aircraft impact near Lamjura Pass during descent to Lukla

3 fatalities • Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal • Landing (descent or approach)

A cargo flight operating between Kathmandu and Lukla crashed into a mountain slope in the Solukhumbu district due to low visibility.

What happened

During a cargo operation from Kathmandu, an aircraft was performing a descent toward Lukla Airport from the south. While flying at an altitude of 11,600 feet, the flight encountered heavy cloud cover that significantly reduced visibility. During this phase of the descent, the aircraft collided with a mountain slope situated in the vicinity of the Lamjura Pass, within the Solukhumbu district.

Following the impact, the wreckage was located to the west of the Lukla airfield. The accident resulted in three fatalities, as all members of the crew perished in the crash.

Findings

  • The crew was operating under conditions of poor visibility caused by cloud cover during the approach to the airport.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck terrain while descending through clouds that obscured the mountain slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-05-25 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident near Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal?

A cargo flight operating between Kathmandu and Lukla crashed into a mountain slope in the Solukhumbu district due to low visibility.

Were there any fatalities in the 2004-05-25 De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-05-25 involved a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, registration 9N-AFD, operated by Yeti Airlines, at Lukla-Tenzing-Hillary, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck terrain while descending through clouds that obscured the mountain slope.

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