A haunting new video has surfaced capturing the horrifying moment when a Bombardier CRJ 200 jet crashed at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport, resulting in the tragic death of 18 people. The video, which is now circulating widely, provides a stark and sobering view of the final moments of the ill-fated flight operated by Saurya Airlines. This devastating event occurred at 11:15 am local time and has once again highlighted the precarious nature of aviation in Nepal, a country known for its challenging flying conditions.
The video begins shortly after the plane took off, showing the aircraft already struggling to maintain control just a few hundred feet above the ground. The plane, which was en route to the popular tourist destination of Pokhara, is seen tilting perilously to the right before suddenly jerking to the left and plummeting to the ground. The subsequent explosion is captured in harrowing detail, as the aircraft erupts into a massive ball of fire upon impact.
Of the 19 people on board, which included two crew members and 17 staff, only the pilot survived. He was rushed to a local hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment. The security official at the airport confirmed the grim toll, leaving the nation and the aviation community in mourning.
Video shows moment of plane crash in Nepal's Kathmandu.
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) July 24, 2024
18 people have died as the plane skid off the runway.#Nepal #PlaneCrash pic.twitter.com/YIviYnyz3o
As of now, there is no definitive information on what caused the crash. However, Nepal’s aviation sector has long been plagued by issues that could have contributed to this tragic event. Poor safety standards, inadequate training, and maintenance issues are some of the critical problems that have marred the industry despite its recent growth. These factors, combined with the country’s challenging topography and unpredictable weather, create a perfect storm of hazards for aviation.
This incident is a grim reminder of Nepal’s troubled aviation history. In January of the previous year, a Yeti Airlines plane crashed while attempting to land in Pokhara, resulting in the deaths of all 72 people on board. This crash was the deadliest in Nepal since 1992, when a Pakistani jet crashed in Kathmandu, killing all 167 passengers. That same year, a Thai Airways flight also crashed, claiming 113 lives.
Another video shows the accident sequence from the apron at Kathmandu Airport:pic.twitter.com/2zoTheNJQI
— Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) July 24, 2024
Nepal’s hazardous flying conditions are compounded by its mountainous terrain and high-altitude runways, which pose significant challenges even for experienced pilots. The European Union has banned Nepali carriers from its airspace due to these safety concerns, reflecting the international community’s apprehensions about flying in and out of the Himalayan nation.
The geography of Nepal is inherently challenging for aviation. Many of the country’s airports are located at high altitudes, surrounded by rugged mountainous terrain. These conditions require pilots to have exceptional skills and experience. Additionally, the weather in these regions is notoriously unpredictable, often changing rapidly and without warning. These factors together make flying in Nepal one of the most demanding and risky aviation experiences in the world.
The recent crash has also drawn attention to the dangers associated with tabletop runways, both in Nepal and in neighboring India. Tabletop runways are located on top of hills or elevated terrain, which means there is a steep drop on one or more sides of the runway. This setup leaves very little margin for error during landing and takeoff. In India, airports with tabletop runways include Shimla, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Lengpui (in Mizoram), and Pakyong (in Sikkim). Notably, Kozhikode and Mangaluru have witnessed significant crashes in the past.
The crash in Kathmandu is a stark reminder of the broader issues facing aviation safety in the region. It underscores the need for stringent safety protocols, better training for pilots, and improved maintenance standards. The international community, including organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), must work closely with Nepal to address these concerns and enhance the overall safety of air travel in the region.
The tragic crash of the Bombardier CRJ 200 jet in Kathmandu is a devastating event that has left a profound impact on the victims’ families, the aviation community, and the nation as a whole. It serves as a grim reminder of the inherent risks associated with flying in Nepal’s challenging environment. Moving forward, it is crucial for authorities to investigate the cause of the crash thoroughly, implement necessary safety measures, and ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏