Why nepal crash happened?
Having followed aviation safety for years and read the preliminary report, I want to add some important context about the Nepal crash:
Aircraft involved: ATR 72-500, a turboprop aircraft commonly used for regional flights Operator: Yeti Airlines, which had a reasonable safety record prior to this accident
Key findings from investigation: - Cockpit Voice Recorder revealed the pilots discussing configuration issues - Flight Data Recorder showed the aircraft suddenly losing lift - No evidence of mechanical failure in preliminary findings
Why this crash was particularly significant: - It occurred at Pokhara's brand new international airport which had just opened days earlier - The crash site was in a deep river gorge making recovery operations extremely difficult - It involved a popular tourist route to one of Nepal's main tourist destinations
Broader context of aviation in Nepal: - Nepal has historically had challenging aviation safety records due to mountainous terrain and weather - The European Union had banned Nepali airlines from its airspace from 2013-2022 due to safety concerns - Significant improvements had been made in recent years before this accident
The investigation is being conducted with international assistance, and the final report will likely lead to important safety recommendations for mountain aviation worldwide. These tragedies, while devastating, often lead to safety improvements that prevent future accidents.
My heart goes out to the victims' families - air disasters in remote mountain areas are particularly traumatic for recovery teams and communities.
You're likely referring to the Yeti Airlines Flight 691 crash that occurred on January 15, 2023, near Pokhara, Nepal. This was a tragic accident that claimed 72 lives.
Based on official investigation reports, here's what likely caused the crash:
Primary factors: - Apparent stall during landing approach - The aircraft lost lift and descended rapidly - Configuration error - Investigators suspect the flaps may not have been set correctly for landing - Crew coordination issues - Possible miscommunication between the pilots
The sequence of events: 1. Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara was proceeding normally 2. During final approach to the new Pokhara International Airport 3. Aircraft suddenly banked steeply and lost altitude 4. Crashed into the gorge of the Seti River
Contributing factors: - New airport - Pilots may have been unfamiliar with the approach procedures - Weather - Though conditions were reportedly good, wind patterns in mountain areas can be unpredictable - Terrain - The airport is surrounded by challenging mountainous terrain
The investigation is still ongoing, but preliminary reports suggest this was likely a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accident where a airworthy aircraft is unintentionally flown into the ground.
This was Nepal's deadliest plane crash since 1992 and highlighted the ongoing challenges of aviation safety in mountainous regions. The aviation community has been analyzing this tragedy to improve safety protocols globally.