CAAN Grounds Prabhu Helicopter and Senior Captain for Unauthorized Everest Flight

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has grounded all flights of Prabhu Helicopter and suspended Sobit Gauchan, a senior captain of the company, following an unauthorized flight from Kathmandu to Camp-2 in the Mount Everest region. The flight was conducted by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja Magar, also known as Nims Dai, in violation of CAAN regulations.

According to Gyanendra Bhul, the information officer of CAAN, Purja illegally commandeered the helicopter, landing at Camp-2 at 11:30 AM on Sunday. This location is strictly prohibited for helicopter flights except in emergencies. Eyewitnesses in the Everest region reported that Purja took the helicopter by force, contravening the rule that helicopters are not allowed above the Everest base camp.

Despite the stringent regulations, Purja flew Prabhu’s helicopter, an A350 B3 with the callsign 9N-ANL, directly from Lukla to Camp-2. Bhul confirmed that the helicopter was not on a rescue mission but carried passengers to the restricted area, breaching aviation rules and a Supreme Court order. 

The Supreme Court recently imposed a ban on helicopter flights on Mount Everest except for emergencies, following a public interest litigation filed by advocate Deepak Bikram Mishra. Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Sushma Lata Mathema issued the restraining order to prevent unauthorized flights in the region.

In response to this violation, CAAN has requested an explanation from Prabhu Helicopter regarding the incident. The aviation authority's swift action underscores the seriousness of adhering to aviation regulations and the Supreme Court's directives to ensure the safety and integrity of operations in the Everest region.