Following special information from a local man who claimed that the helicopter had crashed with a huge sound near his village, NA ground personnel were led by to the missing chopper. According to the NA (Directorate of Public Relations) the helicopter had crashed at an altitude of 11,200 feet in the northern part of Kalinchowk ridge along the Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha border.
Air Dynasty chopper crash: All seven bodies retrieved
NA spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel said, "NA and US Mariens teams physically spotted the helicopter and the site is being protected for further investigations." Because of bad weather conditions, they have not been able to carry out detailed investigations, Spokesperson Pokharel said.
The Marine Corps helicopter had taken off from Kathmandu for Charikot at 1:30 pm on May 12 to deliver relief materials. Its signals became disconnected an hour after it took off.
Nepal Army said that at 4:45 pm, the US liaison officer contacted NA liaison, asking them to contact the aircraft through NA's Air Traffic Control. But NA Air Traffic Control was unable to establish contact, NA stated further. NA then initiated efforts to track the missing aircraft.
On Thursday evening, the local man with information on the fate of the chopper was taken to the village in question with NA support. After reaching the crash site he informed NA officials early in the morning.
The search operation was carried out jointly by more than 400 NA ground personnel, including specialist Disaster Assessment and Response Team (DART). Special Force Elements were deployed over night across the most likely areas. Similarly, the Tamakoshi river was observed by NA personnel all the way south to the Koshi Barrage, following rumors that the chopper had been spotted along the river.
The search and rescue operation continued for more than three days in a highly coordinated manner across probable areas in Dolakha, Sindhpalchowk, Ramechhap and adjoining locations.
According to Defence Secretary Ishwori Paudel, six bodies were recovered from the crash site but could not be identified as they were charred beyond recognition.
Captain Christopher Norgren was flying the US Marines chopper. Authorities are yt to disclose names of the others on board.
