Mustang air helicopter loses contact in Dolakha, search operation underway

Kathmandu: A Mustang Air helicopter with the call sign NINE N-ANO has lost contact today while en route to Dolakha.

The helicopter had taken off from Kathmandu in the morning. According to Gyanendra Bhul, Information Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority, communication was lost with the aircraft carrying five people, including Captain Suraj Thapa.

Police officials stated that search efforts are being hampered due to the remoteness of the area, which requires 6–7 hours of travel from the nearest police office. Ongoing rainfall in the region is also expected to affect rescue and search operations.

Contact with the helicopter has reportedly been lost since 12:45 pm this afternoon.