KATHMANDU: Air crashes persist as a challenge in Nepal.
Factors such as challenging weather conditions, human errors, technical failures, and inadequate aviation safety measures are major contributors to these incidents.
The first recorded international airplane crash in Nepal occurred in Simara, Bara district, in 1955, resulting in the loss of two lives aboard a Kaliga Air plane.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday (July 24, 2024), a Saurya Airlines plane crashed near Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, resulting in the deaths of 18 out of 19 individuals on board.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200, crashed during takeoff, causing it to skid off the runway and catch fire.
The flight was reportedly a test flight headed for Pokhara, carrying no regular passengers but including employees and engineers of the airline among the 19 casualties.
Despite efforts by firefighting teams and security personnel, the blaze caused significant damage to the aircraft.
Nepal has experienced numerous airplane accidents over the years, attributed to its challenging mountainous landscapes, unpredictable weather conditions, insufficient investment in modern aircraft and infrastructure, and inadequate regulation.
Timeline:
July 2024: A plane belonging to Saurya Airlines crashed near Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu killing 18 out of 19 people on board.
January 2023: A Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed in Pokhara, resulting in 72 fatalities.
May 2022: A Tara Airplane carrying 22 people crashed in the mountainous district of Mustang.
April 2019: A Summit Air airplane crashed at Lukla Airport, claiming three lives.
February 2019: An Air Dynasty helicopter crashed in Taplejung, resulting in the death of then Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari and six others.
September 2018: Six people were killed in a helicopter crash involving Altitude Air at the border of Dhading and Nuwakot.
March 2018: As many as 49 people died when a US-Bangla airline crashed at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, carrying 67 passengers and four crew members.
February 2016: An Air Kasthamandap aircraft carrying 11 people crashed in Kalikot.
May 2015: A US Marine Corps squadron crashed in the Charikot, resulting in the deaths of 13 people.
May 2017: A Summit Air helicopter crash in Lukla killing two people.
February 2014: 18 people were killed in a Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) plane crash in Arghakhachi.
September 2012: A Sita Air aircraft crashed near Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 19 people.
May 2012: An Agni Air plane carrying 19 people crashed en route from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom Airport.
September 2011: A Buddha Air aircraft, carrying tourists on a sightseeing trip around Mount Everest, collided with a hill, resulting in the death of all 19 people on board.
December 2010: A Tara Air aircraft crashed en route from Lamidada to Kathmandu in Okhaldhunga, resulting in 22 fatalities.
August 2010: An Agni Air aircraft crashed while departing from Kathmandu for Lukla, resulting in the deaths of 14 people.
October 2008: 18 people were killed in a plane crash involving Yeti Airlines during landing at Lukla Airport.
September 2006: A Shree Air helicopter crashed during a chartered flight in eastern Nepal, resulting in the deaths of all 24 passengers and crew members on board.
June 2006: A Yeti aircraft carrying six passengers, including crew members, crashed on the ground.
November 2001: A chartered helicopter crashed during a flight in western Nepal, Rara Lake in Mugu district, resulting in the deaths of Princess Prekshya Shah of Nepal and five other occupants.
July 2000: A Twin Otter operated by Nepal Airlines crashed while en route to Dhangadhi airport. The crash claimed the lives of 22 passengers and three crew members.
July 1993: A Dornier aircraft operated by Everest Air crashed near Chule Ghopte hill in Nepal, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members and 16 passengers.
September 1992: An Airbus A300 operated by Pakistan International Airlines crashed during landing at Kathmandu airport, killing all 167 people on board.
July 1992: An Airbus 310 operated by Thai Airways crashed during approach in Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of all 99 passengers and 14 crew members on board.
July 1969: An aircraft operated by Nepal Airlines crashed en route to Simara airport, killing 31 passengers and four crew members.
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