Aviation

Mustang Helicopters aircraft goes out of contact in Dolakha; search underway

By Tourism Times
Published at : 27 Mar 2026, 3:28 PM

KATHMANDU: A helicopter operated by Mustang Helicopters Pvt. Ltd. went out of contact in Lapchi of Dolakha district on Friday afternoon, with authorities yet to confirm its status.

According to sources at the company, the helicopter carrying Captain Suraj Thapa and four passengers lost contact after departing Kathmandu. It is reported that communication was lost around 1:30 pm.

The heli was reportedly ferrying hydropower equipment.

Latest reports suggest the aircraft may have made an emergency landing in Lapchi due to adverse weather conditions, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Security personnel, including teams from the Nepali Army, have been deployed to the possible site. Continuous rainfall and difficult terrain in the region are hampering access and rescue efforts.

Officials said the exact condition and location of the helicopter remain unverified, and further details are awaited as search and rescue operations continue. The company is owned by mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja and others.