Plane Crash at Kathmandu Airport – In a tragic incident at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport, a domestic Saurya Airlines flight crashed during takeoff, resulting in the death of 18 passengers. The sole survivor, the pilot, sustained injuries but is reported to be in stable condition.
Table of Contents: Plane Crash at Kathmandu Airport
The Incident
The ill-fated flight, scheduled to fly from Kathmandu to the popular tourist destination of Pokhara, took off at 11:11 a.m. local time. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft veered right and crashed in the eastern section of the airport, as confirmed by a press statement from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The flight, carrying 19 people, was quickly engulfed in flames, producing thick black smoke visible from miles away.
The Victims
Among the victims were 18 passengers, including a Yemeni national and a child, who were all confirmed dead at the scene. The sole survivor, the pilot, is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, treating the pilot, stated, “The pilot has injuries to his eyes, but his life is not in any danger.”
One of the passengers, identified as Manu Raj Sharma, a technician with Saurya Airlines, tragically lost his wife, Priza Khatiwada, and their four-year-old son, Adhiraj Sharma, in the crash. Initially misidentified as employees of the airline, they were later confirmed to be passengers.
Investigations and Immediate Response
The crash has led to widespread shock and mourning across Nepal. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekh visited the crash site to gather details and provide directives. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in this incident. We are working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to understand the cause of this tragic event,” stated Prime Minister Oli.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal confirmed that the plane was on a test flight, a routine procedure known as a C Check, which is a comprehensive inspection required for aircraft. The plane was headed to Pokhara International Airport for a part check-up. It remains unclear why a test flight was carrying so many passengers, raising questions about the operational procedures of Saurya Airlines.
Challenges of Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport, situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, poses significant challenges for pilots. The airport is notorious for its difficult approach and departure paths, requiring pilots to navigate through narrow mountain passes. The airport’s proximity to residential areas adds to the complexity, making it one of the more challenging runways in the world.
Nepal’s aviation history has been marked by numerous accidents, often attributed to challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and inadequate infrastructure and training. The European Union has banned all Nepali airlines from flying into its airspace due to ongoing safety concerns.
A Grim History of Aviation Accidents
This incident is the latest in a series of tragic aviation accidents in Nepal. In 2019, a Bangladeshi airliner crashed at the same airport, resulting in 51 fatalities. Investigations revealed that the plane was misaligned with the runway and the pilot was disoriented, leading to a desperate attempt to land.
Nepal’s most devastating recent accident occurred in January 2023, when a Yeti Airlines flight crashed while landing at Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board. The country’s deadliest air disaster happened in 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines flight crashed near Kathmandu, killing all 167 on board.
A Growing Concern for Safety
The frequency of these incidents has raised serious concerns about aviation safety in Nepal. The country’s rugged terrain, combined with rapidly changing weather conditions, makes flying particularly hazardous. Despite the increasing number of tourists and trekkers traveling to the region, the country’s aviation infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with demand, often leading to compromised safety standards.
Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has been criticized for its oversight, with experts pointing to a lack of adequate training for pilots and insufficient maintenance of aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other international bodies have repeatedly urged Nepal to improve its aviation safety standards.
The Aftermath
In the wake of this tragedy, Tribhuvan International Airport temporarily shut down operations but has since reopened. The airport authorities and Saurya Airlines are cooperating fully with the investigation, which will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash and preventing future incidents.
The crash has cast a shadow over Nepal’s aviation industry, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures. As the country mourns the loss of 18 lives, there is a renewed call for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
A Nation in Mourning
As Nepal grapples with this latest tragedy, there is a sense of collective grief and a call for accountability. Families of the victims, along with the broader Nepali community, are seeking answers and justice for those lost in the crash. The government’s response and the findings of the ongoing investigation will be closely watched, as the nation strives to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Nepal’s aviation industry and the need for comprehensive reforms. As investigations continue, the world watches with sympathy and hope that such a tragedy will not be repeated.