Mount Everest plane crash blamed on pilot error

January 1, 2009 Investigators in Nepal have blamed the crash of a near  in October last year on. Eighteen of the nineteen on board were killed when struck a rock at the side of the runway at  and caught fire.

The only survivor of the crash was the aircraft's captain. Twelve Germans, four Nepalis and two Australians were killed. The flight had departed from Katmandu and was attempting to land at Lukla, which is at an elevation of 9,200 feet (2,800 meters), and has a sheer drop at the runway's end.

The report says the pilots had underestimated deteriorating weather conditions during approach, and had attempted landing after entering a thick patch of fog. Investigators examined the crash site and interviewed eyewitnesses before producing the report, which has been submitted to the government.