An Indian tourist was killed and three others were injured when two helicopters collided while attempting to land near Mount Everest in Nepal on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The accident occurred at approximately 8:12 a.m. at the Pheriche helipad in Solukhumbu district, a popular stop for trekkers heading towards Everest Base Camp. The aircraft belonged to private aviation companies Fishtail Air and Air Dynasty. Both helicopters were approaching the landing area when their rotor blades collided, causing them to crash into the snow-covered ground.
People Gather Around Damaged Helicopter After Two Aircraft Collide Near Mount Everest on November 3
Indian Tourist Killed, 3 Others Injured
Nepalese authorities identified the deceased as 47-year-old Indian national Vasanth Kumar Balaramudu. His body was transported to Lukla following the accident. The injured passenger was identified as Shailesh Krishna Patel, a 49-year-old New Zealand citizen of Indian origin. He was airlifted to Nepal Mediciti Hospital for treatment. Both helicopter pilots also sustained injuries, bringing the total number of injured to three. Authorities said the pilots were receiving medical care following the collision.
Helicopters Were Approaching From Opposite Directions
According to Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Air Dynasty helicopter had departed from Lukla on a cargo mission. Meanwhile, the Fishtail Air helicopter had taken off from Gorak Shep carrying two foreign passengers. Video footage circulating online showed the aircraft approaching the helipad from opposite directions. Their rotor blades struck as they flew just metres above the ground. Both helicopters suffered substantial damage. Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of people aboard both aircraft.
Damaged Helicopters After Collision Near Mount Everest on November 3, 2026
Investigators Examine Possible Pilot Miscommunication
Civil Aviation Authority Director General Mukesh Dangol said preliminary information suggested miscommunication between the pilots may have contributed to the accident. The Pheriche landing area lies outside the coverage of Lukla Airport’s air traffic control tower. As a result, pilots operating there must communicate directly with one another. Investigators are recording statements from those involved to determine what happened. However, officials have not established the final cause of the collision.
Accident Raises Concerns Over Himalayan Aviation Safety
The accident occurred during Nepal’s peak autumn trekking season, when helicopters regularly transport tourists, climbers and supplies through the Everest region. Aircraft also carry out emergency evacuations for people experiencing illness or exhaustion at high altitude. However, mountainous terrain, changing weather and demanding landing conditions make aviation operations challenging. The collision has renewed attention on flight coordination and safety procedures at remote Himalayan helipads. Nepalese aviation authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
