A tragic incident unfolded in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu on Sunday, as a domestic passenger plane belonging to Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 18 people. The pilot, the sole survivor of the devastating crash, sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to a doctor at the hospital, the pilot sustained injuries to the eyes but is reported to be out of danger.
The crash occurred when the aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-200 with a capacity for 50 passengers, caught fire during departure. Investigations have revealed that the tragic incident was caused by the plane’s wing tip hitting the ground during takeoff. The incident happened at 11:11 am local time, according to Nepal’s aviation authority.
Saurya Airlines, the operator of the ill-fated flight, has a fleet of only two aircraft, as per Flightradar24 data. The Kathmandu plane crash marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the Himalayan nation since January 2023, when 68 passengers and four crew on Yeti Airlines Flight 691 were killed.
Nepal’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions contribute significantly to the high number of plane crashes in the country. The mountainous landscape and rapidly changing weather patterns, particularly in the Himalayas, pose significant challenges for pilots. The Kathmandu airport itself, nestled within a valley surrounded by mountains, is known for its difficulty and poses significant challenges for pilots, particularly for larger aircraft that must navigate through a mountain pass to approach and land.
The recent Kathmandu plane crash highlights the ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in Nepal. The country has experienced an average of one flight disaster per year, with an unusually high number of plane crashes occurring over the last decade. This recent incident marks the 13th such incident reported in Nepal over the past 12 years, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety standards in the country.
