Nepal has seen the latest air crash. Here is why it may have happened, and why Nepal sees so many plane crashes.
On Wednesday morning, July 24, a Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Tragically, eighteen people were killed in the crash. The plane, operated by Saurya Airlines, was carrying two crew members and seventeen technicians. They traveled from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to Pokhara for maintenance checks. Sadly, only the pilot, Manish Shankya, survived the crash. He is currently being treated for a head injury at a nearby hospital.
What do we know about the Nepal air crash?
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aircraft took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 11:11 am (Nepal Standard Time). Shortly after takeoff, the plane veered to the right and crashed on the east side of the runway. Witnesses reported that the plane flipped after its wing tip hit the ground during takeoff. The aircraft then caught fire. Videos on social media show the plane flying low above the runway before sharply banking to one side and crashing.
What caused the crash?
The factors that led to the crash are still unclear. But according to experts who have reviewed the footage of the incident have said that behind the crash was what is known as a ‘climb failure’. The plane was unable to successfully climb and gain altitude after takeoff. This can happen due to several reasons including engine failure, faulty pre-flight planning,, other technical issues, or even pilot error. A proper investigation will shed further light on exactly what was behind the mishap on Wednesday. Conditions at the airport were not too bad. Even though it is the monsoon season in Kathmandu, it was not raining at the time of the crash. However, although visibility was low across the capital.
Why does Nepal have such a poor aviation safety record?
According to the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A), Nepal has experienced 68 aviation accidents since 1946, resulting in 900 deaths. The Aviation Safety Network reports 41 fatal accidents since 1919, with 878 fatalities. These numbers are high compared to the relatively low number of flights in Nepal. Several factors contribute to Nepal’s high accident rate such as rugged mountain terrain which makes flying difficult with poorly maintained aircraft. Airports and runways are often inadequate and weak and regulatory oversight fails to enforce safety standards. Other reasons could be difficult Airport Conditions. Nepalese airstrips are often located on plateaus or carved into mountains, making landings challenging. Tribhuvan International Airport, despite having a relatively long runway, is situated in the narrow Kathmandu valley, surrounded by high mountains. This geography limits pilots’ maneuvering space and leads to sudden weather changes.
Maintenance and Equipment Issues
Many aircraft in Nepal lack modern maintenance and standard safety equipment. This has led to the European Union banning all Nepal-based aircraft from entering European airspace since 2013 due to the Nepal government’s failure to improve aviation safety regulations and implementation.
Video clip of the crash
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