A Tara Air’s 9 NAET twin-engine aircraft with 22 people on board went missing in the mountains of Nepal on Sunday morning, officials said. 

Later in the day, the airplane, which crashed “at the mouth of the Lamche river” was found in Mustang, according to the chief of the Tribhuvan International Airport, who added that the aircraft’s status was yet to be “ascertained,” ANI reported. 

How it all began 

The Twin Otter 9N-AET flight of Tara Air took off at 9:55 am from the city of Pokhara to reach its destination, Jomson. After 15 minutes of flying, the aircraft lost contact with the airport tower, according to the Kathmandu Post.

How many people were on board?

The plane was carrying 22 passengers, including three Japanese citizens and four Indian nationals. 13 Nepalis, two Germans and three cabin crew members were also reportedly on board. 

“Tara Air flight 9NAET that took off from Pokhara at 9.55 AM today with 22 people onboard, including 4 Indians, has gone missing. Search and rescue operation is on. The embassy is in touch with their family. Our emergency hotline number :+977-9851107021,” the Indian embassy in Nepal said in a tweet.

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When did the plane make its final contact? 

The last contact was made when the aircraft was flying through the Lete Pass region.

What did the officials say?

In a telephonic conversation, Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma told ANI that “the aircraft was seen over the sky of Jomsom in Mustang and then had diverted to Mt. Dhaulagiri after which it hadn’t come into contact.”

Did the plane crash?

“According to the information given by the locals to the Nepal Army, the Tara Air plane crashed at the mouth of the Lamche river under the landslide of Manapathi Himal. Nepal Army is moving towards the site from the ground and air route,” said Nepal Army spokesperson Narayan Silwal.

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Where was it found?

The plane was found in Mustang’s Kowang region, however, the status remains unascertained for now. 

Is there any word on the passengers?

According to a source of Tara airlines, no details have been revealed about “the condition of the passengers that include four Indians, possibly on a pilgrimage to the famous Muktinath Temple there… We fear the worst.”