A helicopter belonging to Mustang Helicopter went missing in Dolakha on Friday shortly after taking off from Lapcha in the Lamabagar area.

The helicopter, registered as 9N-ANO, had departed from Kathmandu at around 10:25am for Lapcha. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, it lost contact just minutes after taking off again from Lapcha.

The chopper was piloted by Suraj Thapa.

Deo Chandra Lal Karn, acting director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, said the helicopter departed from the Upper Lapche Hydropower Project, carrying five people on board—three from Citizens Bank International and two from Energy Venture, the project’s promoter.

“Based on available information, the area has been witnessing heavy snowfall, and mobile connectivity is not available,” Karn said.

According to him, locals reported that the helicopter had made three to four rounds before landing in the area.

“An Army helicopter has been dispatched to the site, while police, Army personnel, and locals have mobilised for the search. We expect to receive more information shortly,” he said.

Further details are awaited.