Nepali Times
From The Nepali Press
‘We almost crashed into Everest'



"I was certain it was straight from the air to the grave for me." This was from a pilot who flew tourist to Everest in the mountain flight commenting on a narrow escape that day. Planes belonging to Necon, Buddha Air and Mountain Air were all headed to Everest with tourists. There were heavy clouds outside and visibility was poor, and there was only one place in the sky from where Everest could be seen.

Necon\'s ATR had found that spot and was circling at about 25,000 feet, when an aircraft belonging to Buddha Air shot past just feet away from where it was flying. There were five other aircraft vying to get to the opening in the cloud from where Everest was visible. Even though they knew that there was the possibility of a mid-air collision they were competing. Then Necon climbed down by about 500 feet and tried to save itself. As soon as it had informed Air Traffic Control, another aircraft appeared at about 24,500 feet. Necon then climbed down another 500 feet. Then the Buddha Air aircraft which was commanded by an Indian pilot followed suit at high speed, even without informing others of the descent. On one side there was the mountain, on the other side thick clouds. Necon Air\'s captain D.R. Niraula reprimanded the Indian pilot and made his way out of the danger zone.


LATEST ISSUE
638
(11 JAN 2013 - 17 JAN 2013)


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