What happened
On a flight departing from Lamidanda Airport for Kathmandu, a twin engine aircraft experienced a fatal accident during the climb phase. Shortly after takeoff at 15:08 local time, air traffic control instructed the crew to maintain an altitude of 8,500 feet to ensure separation from other traffic. The captain initially disregarded this instruction and proceeded to climb higher.
Following a disagreement between the crew members, the captain eventually authorized the pilot in command to descend to the requested 8,500 feet. This maneuver was performed despite the inherent dangers posed by the surrounding mountainous terrain. While flying in instrument meteorological conditions with low visibility, the aircraft's right wing struck the ground. The impact occurred in a rocky area on Palunge Hill, near Okhaldhunga. Search teams located the wreckage the next morning. The impact destroyed the aircraft, and there were 22 fatalities with no survivors.
Findings
Investigations into the event indicate that the crew was operating in cloudy conditions with limited visibility. The primary factor contributing to the accident was the captain's decision to descend into high-terrain areas despite the risks associated with the flight environment.