18 fatalities

2002-08-22: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (9N-AFR) — Shangri-La Air — Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, NepalLanding (descent or approach)

On August 22, 2002, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration 9N-AFR) operated by Shangri-La Air was involved in an aviation accident near Pokhara, Nepal during landing or approach. 18 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain after the crew descended too low in poor visibility without maintaining visual clearance with the ground. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781201651Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft on a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara struck a mountain near Pokhara Airport, killing all 18 occupants. The accident occurred during poor weather conditions, and investigators determined the crew descended too low in poor visibility.

Accident Details

The twin-engine aircraft departed Jomsom Airport at 0941 local time for a planned 25-minute flight to Pokhara. While descending toward Pokhara Airport, the crew encountered poor weather conditions characterized by low clouds. At an altitude of 4,600 feet, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located 6 kilometers southwest of the airport, near the village of Kristi Nachnechaur. The impact forces totally destroyed the aircraft. There was no post-crash fire.

Aircraft and Occupants

The flight carried three crew members and 15 passengers. The passengers included 13 German nationals, one American, and one British national. All 18 occupants were killed in the crash.

Investigation and Probable Cause

Investigation into the accident concluded with a probable cause determination. The official finding stated that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain, resulting from the crew descending too low in poor visibility without maintaining visual clearance with the ground.