Aircraft carrying Everest trekkers crashes, 19 killed

Kathmandu: All nineteen people onboard a small plane were killed in Nepal when it caught fire and crashed soon after take off on Friday.      The plane was flying to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. Seven British, five Chinese and four Nepali passengers along with three Nepali crew member were on board the aircraft. The British nationals were on a 13-day trek to Everest base camp.      "A bird hit the plane during take off and this was a contributing factor," said general manager of Tribhuwan International Airport Ratish Chandra Lal Suman. An eye witnesses said the plane was on fire as it took off and landed about 20 metres from a settlement of squatters at a riverbank. A black eagle that hit the plane was recovered in several pieces.      "After the bird struck, the control was not smooth," Suman said. "We are investigating whether the proper procedure was followed or not after the bird struck. The black box has been recovered."      The bodies were charred beyond recognition.      The same aircraft was scheduled to make three flights to Lukla on Friday and this was the first flight of the German made Dornier aircraft. HIGH TRAGEDY: The site of the plane crash near Katmandu on Friday. The flight was carrying 7 British, 5 Chinese and 4 Nepali passengers