KATHMANDU, Nepal (CNN) -- A small plane, carrying a dozen German tourists, hit a cliff and caught fire in Nepal's Everest region Wednesday morning, killing 18 people, officials said.

"Only one crew member survived," said Binaya Shakya of Yeti Airlines, the company that operated the plane.

The aircraft was carrying 12 German tourists, two Nepalis and two other passengers whose nationalities were not immediately known.

The plane was headed from the capital city, Kathmandu, to Lukla airport, about 155 miles (250 km) to the east.

Tourists fly to Lukla and trek to the Everest Base Camp at about 15,700 feet (4,800 meters).

October is the peak tourist season in the Himalayan kingdom.

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