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35 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Collision with Terrain Near Sambri River (9N-AAP)

Hetauda, NepalFlight

On July 12, 1969, a Douglas DC-3 (registration 9N-AAP) operated by Royal Nepal Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Hetauda, Nepal in flight. 35 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain. At the time of the accident, the visibility was nil due to low clouds and the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck a tree on a hilltop while cruising at 7,300 feet in clouds, crashing in flames near the Sambri River. All 35 occupants were killed. The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain due to nil visibility from low clouds.

Accident Overview and Casualties A twin-engine aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 7,300 feet when it encountered clouds and struck a tree located on the top of a hill. The impact caused the aircraft to crash in flames near the Sambri River. All 35 occupants on board were killed in the accident. ## Official Probable Cause The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain. At the time of the accident, visibility was nil due to low clouds, which prevented the crew from distinguishing the mountain. The source does not provide the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, or specific location beyond the area near the Sambri River.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1969 Douglas DC-3 accident near Hetauda, Nepal?

A twin-engine aircraft struck a tree on a hilltop while cruising at 7,300 feet in clouds, crashing in flames near the Sambri River. All 35 occupants were killed. The official probable cause was controlled flight into terrain due to nil visibility from low clouds.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 1969 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 35 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1969 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration 9N-AAP, operated by Royal Nepal Airlines, at Hetauda, Nepal.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain. At the time of the accident, the visibility was nil due to low clouds and the crew was unable to distinguish the mountain.

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