Nepal Plane Crash: What we know about the crash
The aircraft, a Mitsubishi CRJ-200ER, caught fire upon impact, with Khabarhub reporting that the plane was “releasing a significant plume of smoke.” Emergency responders quickly extinguished the blaze. Rescue operations are ongoing, conducted by police and firefighters. The pilot was taken to a nearby hospital, though there are no further details on their condition, as noted by a security official deployed at the airport.
Police and firefighters are actively engaged in rescue efforts. The pilot was transported to a nearby hospital, but no further details about their condition have been provided. According to PTI, “The plane caught fire upon impact, but the blaze was quickly extinguished by emergency responders.”
The Kathmandu Post reported that the crash was caused by a runway excursion during takeoff. TIA Spokesperson Subash Jha confirmed this information, stating, “The accident occurred after the Pokhara-bound flight suffered a runway excursion during takeoff.”
Nepal Plane Crash: Challenges of Tribhuvan International Airport
Tribhuvan International Airport is known for its challenging geography. Located on a plateau surrounded by deep gorges and valleys, it is considered one of the riskiest airports globally. The difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions add to the complexity of flying in and out of Kathmandu.
Nepal Plane Crash: Background on Nepal’s Aviation Safety
Nepal’s aviation industry has faced ongoing safety challenges. The European Union has banned all Nepali carriers from its airspace due to safety concerns. The country’s treacherous geography and rapid weather changes further complicate aviation safety.Nepal has a troubling record of aviation accidents. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines flight crashed near Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board. In May 2022, a Tara Air plane crashed in Mustang, resulting in 22 fatalities. In 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport, causing 51 deaths.
