Katmandu: Nepal has launched a formal investigation of a plane crash at a small airport near Mount Everest that killed 18 people, including 16 tourists from Germany, Australia and Nepal.

The four-person commission to investigate the crash was announced in a Tourism Ministry statement late Wednesday. The commission has two months to submit its report.

The Yeti Airlines plane crashed Wednesday morning as it tried to land in foggy weather at Lukla airport, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) from Mount Everest. It had taken off from Katmandu.

The DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter burst into flames after the crash. Only the pilot survived.

There were 19 people on board, including 12 German, two Australian and two Nepalese tourists. There were also three Nepalese crew members. The pilot, who has been hospitalised in Katmandu, is expected to recover.

The bodies were flown back to Katmandu by military helicopter on Wednesday.