18 Dead in Kathmandu Plane Crash, Pilot Survives

Nepal Plane Crash: A Tragic Incident

A tragic event occurred when a Saurya Airlines plane, with 19 people onboard, crashed while taking off at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Nepal’s Kathmandu. The crash resulted in the death of 18 people, leaving only one survivor, the pilot, who was critically injured.

Details of the Crash

The ill-fated aircraft was a Bombardier CRJ-200ER with the registration 9N-AME. Built in 2003, the plane was bound for Pokhara, carrying technical staff for maintenance at Pokhara Regional Airport. According to Gyanendra Bhul, an information officer at TIA, the crash occurred during takeoff.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses reported that the plane was taking off from the southern end of the runway when it suddenly flipped, causing the wing tip to hit the ground. The aircraft caught fire immediately and plunged into a gorge on the eastern side of the runway. Smoke was seen billowing from the wreckage, prompting a swift response from police personnel and firefighters.

Pilot’s Survival and Rescue Efforts

The pilot, 37-year-old Manish Shakya, was rescued from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital in Sinamangal for treatment. Despite the severe nature of the crash, the pilot’s survival was a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.

History of the Airline

Saurya Airlines, which operates the aircraft involved in the crash, was acquired by India’s Kuber Group in 2019 for 630 million Nepali rupees. In 2021, there were reports that the airline would rebrand itself as Kuber Airlines, but these plans were put on hold.

Previous Issues and Resumption of Operations

The Kathmandu airport had previously halted all flights of Saurya Airlines on December 6, 2018, due to the carrier’s failure to pay its debts. The airline was allowed to resume operations on March 8, 2019, after paying a part of the $355,000 debt it owed to the airport.

Impact on Air Travel and Safety Measures

This incident raises serious concerns about air travel safety in Nepal. The country has a history of aviation accidents, often attributed to challenging terrain and variable weather conditions. This crash will likely prompt authorities to review safety protocols and ensure stricter compliance with maintenance and operational standards.

Immediate Aftermath and Response

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, rescue operations were launched swiftly. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to manage the scene and recover the victims. The airport authorities also suspended all flights to ensure the safety of other passengers and crew members.

International Reaction and Condolences

The international community has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. Aviation experts from various countries have also offered to assist in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and prevent future incidents.

Long-term Implications for Saurya Airlines

For Saurya Airlines, this tragedy could have significant long-term implications. The airline will need to undergo a thorough investigation and likely face scrutiny over its maintenance practices and operational procedures. Rebuilding trust with passengers and the aviation community will be a challenging task.

The Kathmandu plane crash is a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel. While advancements in technology and safety protocols have significantly improved aviation safety, incidents like this underscore the need for constant vigilance and rigorous adherence to safety standards.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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