Saurya airplane crash at Tribhuwan International Airport (July 24 2024), Wednesday.
Nepal's aviation industry has a tragic history marked by numerous plane and helicopter crashes. The country's challenging mountain terrain, unpredictable weather, and concerns about safety standards have contributed to these disasters. This document will provide a detailed overview of these accidents, including when, what caused them, and the number of people who died.
The Tragic Timeline of the Accident
1969: Royal Nepal Airlines Crash
In July 1969, a Royal Nepal Airlines flight crashed en route to Sinara Airport, killing 31 passengers and four crew members.
1992: Pakistan International Airlines Crash
On September 28, 1992, a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A300 crashed while landing in Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board. The aircraft struck a mountain ridge 11 km from the Tribhuwan International Airport.
1992: Thai Airways Crash
On July 31, 1992, a Thai Airways Airbus A310 crashed during its approach to Kathmandu, killing all 113 people on board. The plane collided with a mountain in heavy monsoon rain due to a minor failure in the plane's flaps and miscommunication with air traffic control.
2001: Helicopter Crash
In November 2001, a chartered helicopter crashed in Western Nepal, killing Princess Prekshya Shah and five others.
2006: Yeti Airlines Crash
In June 2006, a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed, resulting in multiple fatalities.
2006: Shree Air Helicopter Crash
In September 2006, a Shree Air helicopter carrying 24 passengers, including World Wide Fund for Nature officials, crashed in Eastern Nepal.
2010: Agni Air Crash
On August 24, 2010, a small Agni Air plane crashed in bad weather near Kathmandu, killing all 14 people on board.
2011: Buddha Air Crash
On September 25, 2011, a Buddha Air Beechcraft 1900D on a sightseeing trip around Mount Everest crashed, killing all 19 people on board, including 10 Indian nationals. The accident occurred during adverse weather conditions with thick monsoon clouds enveloping the Kathmandu area.
2012: Agni Air Crash
On May 14, 2012, 15 people died when an Agni Air plane carrying Indian pilgrims crashed near the treacherous high-altitude airport of Jomsom in northern Nepal, while six made a miraculous escape.
2012: Dornier Aircraft Crash
In September 2012, a plane flying 19 people towards Mount Everest went down in flames on the outskirts of the Nepali capital, killing everyone on board.
2014: Nepal Airlines Crash
On February 16, 2014, 18 people were killed when a Nepal Airlines flight crashed in the Arghakhanchi district.
2015: US Marine Corps Helicopter Crash
In May 2015, a US Marine Corps helicopter crashed in the Charikot region while delivering aid after two earthquakes, killing all eight occupants, including six US Marines and two Nepali soldiers.
2016: Air Kasthamandap Crash
In February 2016, an Air Kasthamandap flight crashed in Kalikot district, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to nine passengers.
2016: Tara Air Crash
On February 24, 2016, a Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tara Air crashed into a hillside in Myagdi district, killing all 23 people on board.
2018: US-Bangla Airlines Crash
On March 12, 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 49 people. The aircraft caught fire after veering off the runway and crashing into a football ground. The investigation suggested pilot disorientation as a probable cause.
2019: Air Dynasty Helicopter Crash
In February 2019, an Air Dynasty helicopter, with seven passengers including Nepal's Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari, and Ang Tshiring Sherpa the founder of Yeti Airlines crashed into a hill while attempting to return to Kathmandu in cloudy conditions. The preliminary report cited violations of operating procedures, including improper weight distribution and seating arrangements.
2022: Tara Air Crash
In May 2022, a Tara Air flight carrying 22 passengers, including four Indian nationals, crashed in Nepal's Mustang district. The bodies were recovered three days later, and an investigation pointed to poor weather as a potential cause.
2023: Yeti Airlines Crash
On January 15, 2023, a Yeti Airlines ATR 72 aircraft crashed in Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board, including four crew members and at least 15 foreigners.
2024: Saurya Airlines Crash
On July 24, 2024, a Saurya Airlines plane crashed and caught fire while taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, killing 18 of the 19 people on board. The pilot was the sole survivor.
2024: Air Dynasty Helicopter Crash
On August 7, 2024, an Air Dynasty helicopter crashed in Nepal, killing all five people on board, including four Chinese tourists and the pilot.
A Complex Challenge
The reasons behind Nepal's alarming aviation accident rate are multifaceted. It can be categorized in many different forms:
1. Challenging Geography and Weather Conditions
Nepal's aviation industry faces substantial hurdles due to its geography and climate. The country's towering mountains, including some of the world's highest, make flying incredibly difficult. The weather in these high altitudes is notoriously unpredictable, with conditions changing rapidly and posing serious risks to flight safety. Pilots typically rely on visual cues to navigate, but this becomes extremely dangerous when visibility is poor, such as during foggy or cloudy conditions.
2. Aging Aircraft Fleet
A significant challenge facing many Nepali airlines is the operation of older aircraft. Due to financial limitations, these airlines often find it difficult to acquire newer planes. While it is possible to maintain older aircraft and keep them airworthy, the process is significantly more expensive compared to newer models. Furthermore, these older planes may lack the advanced safety features found in modern aircraft. This reliance on used planes poses a potential safety risk, particularly given the already challenging flying conditions prevalent in Nepal.
3. Regulatory and Safety Oversight Issues
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has been criticized for failing to adequately oversee and regulate aviation safety. The agency has been accused of being inefficient and corrupt, hindering its ability to enforce essential safety standards. A significant issue is the conflict of interest arising from CAAN's dual role as both the regulator of the aviation industry and a provider of aviation services. This arrangement can compromise safety compliance. Consequently, many safety recommendations made by international organizations have been ignored.
4. Infrastructure Limitations
Nepal's airports frequently lack the essential facilities needed to ensure safe flight operations. Many of these airports have runways that are too short to accommodate larger airplanes, forcing airlines to rely on smaller planes, which are often less dependable. The absence of advanced ground support equipment further complicates operations, particularly during inclement weather.
A Call for Change
Nepal has a troubling history of air accidents, with a disproportionately high number of crashes marring its aviation record. The recent spate of tragedies has ignited a pressing demand for immediate and substantial changes to improve aviation safety and prevent future disasters.
A pivotal step forward is the government's decision to launch the first-ever judicial inquiry into air crashes. This independent investigation will scrutinize Nepal's overall air safety standards and hold accountable those responsible for negligence. However, to ensure effective deterrence and justice, the nation urgently needs to enact specific laws that can prosecute individuals and organizations involved in aviation accidents. This legal framework is essential for establishing accountability and deterring future misconduct.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has come under fire for perceived lapses in its regulatory duties. Strengthening CAAN's capabilities, granting it greater independence, and empowering it to enforce safety regulations rigorously are crucial steps towards effective oversight of the aviation sector.
Furthermore, Nepal must develop a robust system to promptly implement safety recommendations generated by accident investigation commissions. Ignoring these vital measures creates a dangerous cycle of repeated accidents.
To optimize the investigation process, Nepal could adopt a model similar to countries like France, where judicial inquiries focus on determining liability and prosecuting offenses, while separate safety investigations concentrate on improving aviation safety. This dual approach allows for a more efficient and comprehensive response to air accidents.
Establishing comprehensive incident reporting systems, data analysis and databases is essential for identifying potential safety hazards early on. By meticulously analyzing safety data and sharing information with relevant stakeholders, Nepal can proactively address emerging risks.
Ultimately, a profound shift in mindset is required. Aviation safety must become a national priority, with a concerted effort to raise awareness among airlines, regulators, and the public. Cultivating a strong safety culture is indispensable for achieving lasting improvements in Nepal's aviation sector.
By taking decisive action in these areas, Nepal can strive to prevent future air tragedies and restore public confidence in its aviation industry.
