Agni Air Dornier DO 228 crash in Nepal

by B. N. Sullivan

A small passenger aircraft, believed to be a Dornier DO 228, has crashed in Nepal.  The accident happened early on the morning of August 24, 2010.  Initial reports say the flight, operated by Agni Air, was en route from Kathmandu to Lukla, but could not land at its destination due to poor weather.  The flight was said to be returning to Kathmandu when it crashed in Nepal's Makwanpur District, south of Kathmandu.  The crash site is believed to be near the village of Shikharpur.

The number of people on board the accident flight is uncertain. Some news reports from the region say the plane was carrying three crew members and 11 passengers; others report as many as 18 may have been on board.  Their fate is unknown at this time.

More to follow as reliable information becomes available.

UPDATE: The accident aircraft has been identified by several sources as 9N-AHE.  The flight number was AG-101.

UPDATE Aug 24, 2010: New information suggests that the aircraft was attempting to divert to Simara after developing "technical problems."  News reports variously mention engine failure or generator failure, but neither has been officially confirmed.  According to The Himalayan, the crash site was located at Bastipur. 

I am sorry to report that there were no survivors among the three crew and 11 passengers on the accident flight.   The Himalayan has published a list of those on board Agni Air Flight AG-101. The three crew members were:

• Captain Laxman Pratap Bikram Shah, pilot
• Sophia Singh, co-pilot
• Sahara Sherpa, air hostess

Condolences to the families and friends of all those who lost their lives in this accident.