-KATHMANDU
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAA Nepal) has released Manang Air for normal operation today after the temporarily flight suspension since August 17, 2018 in reference to AS350B3e (H125) Helicopter ‘9N-AMV’ tail rotor strike accident at Hilsa, Humla on 14th August 2018 which killed one Indian person.
According to the source, the CAA Nepal had made a decision after the complete audit inspection of the entire department of the airline and had released for the normal operation.
The tail rotor mishap took place at Hilsa helipad when an Indian pilgrim Nagendra Kumar Kartik Meheta got struck by the tail rotor while he was attempting to take a selfie photo despite the restriction from Ground Personnel and authorities after disembarking from the helicopter.
This accident has alarmed authorities on taking initiatives for preventing such incidents. So, CAAN had issued a temporary suspension order until an investigation is concluded by the authorities.
The four-member team Chief Captain Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Chief Engineer Bharat Parajuli and Er. Yogesh Aryal from MoCTCA Led by Joint-secretary Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane has been assigned to probe the accident within 30 days under the supervision of Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accident) Regulation, 2071.
The preliminary statement from the officials reported that while disembarking, Mr. Meheta turned back and then moved towards the left position of the helicopter. A guide who was one of the passengers yelled but the Indian man continued moving towards the back part and got struck by tail rotor resulting spot death.
Earlier Manang Air Helicopter has been recognized as the only Approved Training Organization (ATO) of Nepal.
Presently, Manang Air is operating two Airbus H125 Helicopter under the Regulation of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal as a Commercial Helicopter Operator. The Company also provides personalized services to its clients in all the avenues of its flying, be it: adventure flights, search and rescue, medical evacuation, aerial work, helicopter excursions, expedition work and other customized flights as per the requirement of the clients. The area of operations of the Company is not only restricted to personalized services but includes the operation to support trekkers, pilgrims and also offer the air Logistics support to various government agencies of Nepal.
