Plane Veers into Helicopters on Lukla Take-off, Three Killed
| Event date | 14 April 2019, about 9:07 a.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla (heliport area) |
| Type | Aviation incident |
| Deaths | 3 (the first officer and two police officers on the ground; one died later in hospital) |
| Verification | Verified |
| Status | Historical / closed |
A Summit Air Let L-410 with no passengers on board was starting its take-off roll at Lukla when, seconds in, it swerved right towards the helipad beside the runway. It struck two parked helicopters, one belonging to Manang Air, and security personnel standing nearby.
The aircraft’s first officer was killed in the collision, as was a police officer on the ground; a second police officer died later while being treated in Kathmandu. It happened at the start of the spring Everest season, when Lukla is at its busiest with climbers, trekkers and supply flights.
Sources
- Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives — Let L-410 crash at Lukla, 3 killed
- ABC News (Australia) — Lukla crash report, 15 April 2019
- Alan Arnette — "Everest 2019: Deadly Crash at Lukla"
Last reviewed 29 September 2026. Written in Merolog’s own words from the sources listed; where sources disagree, each figure is attributed rather than merged. Spotted an error or a newer figure? Leave a comment on this entry.