2001 Fishtail Air Eurocopter AS350 crash

The 2001 Fishtail Air Eurocopter AS350 accident took place on 12 November 2001, involving a chartered Fishtail Air Eurocopter AS350 helicopter that crashed during its journey from Gamgadhi Army Base to Surkhet in Western Nepal. This tragic event led to the deaths of four individuals, among them Princess Prekshya Shah of Nepal.

Aircraft

The aircraft involved was a Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil helicopter, which Princess Prekshya had hired from Nepalgunj.

Crew and victims

Onboard were Princess Prekshya Shah, who was the sister of Queens Aishwarya and Komal of Nepal, accompanied by her medical doctor, security staff, and additional companions.

Incident

The helicopter took off at 11:25 Nepal Standard Time from Gamgadhi Army Base. Soon after departure, it crashed into Rara Lake. Two of the passengers were thrown out during flight. According to reports, the Princess had asked the pilot to circle above Rara Lake to enjoy a better view when the aircraft descended into the lake while executing a turn.

Investigation

It took personnel stationed at a nearby army base approximately 45 minutes to arrive at the crash location. Rescue helicopters were dispatched, and Princess Prekshya’s body was retrieved from the water. Initially, authorities believed there was only one survivor; however, two passengers were rescued and transported to hospitals in Nepalgunj.

Aftermath

In 2009, then Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal suggested a connection between the helicopter crash and the Nepalese royal massacre. This assertion, however, was never substantiated.