High level investigation committee formed to probe the chopper crash in Taplejung killing Tourism Minister has been unable to retrieve the important device required in investigation.
The team had started investigation from last month but has still not managed to obtain Vehicle and Engine Multi-function Display (VEMD) and Vision 1000 device which will help in studying about the crash in more detail.
Team led by former tourism secretary Yagya Prasad Gautam along with joint secretary of Ministry of culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) Joint Secretary Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, Nepalese Army Brigadier General Deepak Prasad Bastola and Captain Pramod Lama have hold discussion with stakeholders and have been investigating on site but has not been able to find the device.
Due to the reason the team has not been able to complete the investigation process stated one of the official.
The team has brought back some components of the chopper from the crash site but has not been able to find the device which will be used in lab investigation.
The committee had been coordinating and investigating with French Investigation Agency along with officials of Airbus and as they were unable to retrieve the device the team has returned.
The search team stated that due to frequent change in weather and crash site being located in very stiff location the team has been facing problem and stated that the team will again go to the site after the weather clears.
The investigation is being framed and put into action as per the reference derived from ICAO Annex-13 Accident Investigation and Civil Aviation Act (Accident Investigation) 2071 Chapter 10.
Air Dynasty Helicopter registered ‘9N-AMI’ flying to Taplejung for inspection of the possibility of construction of airport in Chuhandada, Terathum under the command of Capt. Pravakar K.C. carrying Honorable Minister Rabindra Adhikari, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) and 6 other passengers on board had crashed on February 27. The aircraft was engulfed with flames following the crash.
Group of 6 delegates along with Minister Adhikari flew to Taplejung from Kathmandu to inspect the area where a feasibility study had been conducted inorder to construct airport in Chuhandanda of Terathum.
