A helicopter crash occurred in central Nepal on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of all five occupants, including the pilot and four Chinese passengers. Nepal's aviation safety record is notably poor, with the country experiencing numerous fatal light plane and helicopter accidents over the years. The Air Dynasty helicopter was en route from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, a popular starting point for trekking excursions, when it lost contact approximately three minutes after takeoff, according to a statement from the Civil Aviation Authority. The aircraft crashed in Nuwakot district, north of the capital. "All five people aboard, including the pilot, are deceased," stated police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki in an interview with AFP. Nuwakot district officer Ram Krishna Adhikari confirmed that five bodies have been recovered from the crash site. "Police have already arrived at the site, and the rescue operation is ongoing," he added. Nepal's aviation sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, facilitating the transport of goods and individuals to remote areas, as well as serving foreign trekkers and climbers. However, the industry suffers from inadequate safety measures due to insufficient training and maintenance, exacerbated by the challenging geography of the mountainous region. Nepal boasts some of the world's most isolated and difficult runways, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, making approaches perilous even for experienced pilots. The European Union has prohibited all Nepali carriers from entering its airspace due to safety concerns. This latest incident follows a plane crash in Kathmandu two weeks prior that claimed the lives of all 18 passengers except the pilot. The most recent significant commercial flight incident in Nepal took place in January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed upon landing in Pokhara, resulting in the deaths of all 72 on board. This was Nepal's deadliest crash since 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines plane carrying 167 passengers crashed while approaching Kathmandu airport. Earlier that same year, a Thai Airways aircraft also crashed near the airport, killing 113 people.