72 DIED IN THE PLANE CRASH AT POKHARA
18 March 2023 – The aircraft being operated on the
route, an ATR 72 flown by Yeti Airlines, crashed at Pokhara, killing all 72 occupants on
board on 15 January 2023.
The flight took off from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and got crashed on the bank of the Seti Gandaki River while on final approach to landing at Pokhara International Airport. A video filmed from the ground showed the
aircraft banking steeply to the left before crashing 65 meters away.
There were 72 people on board, of which 68 were
passengers including 15 foreigners and four were crew members. Among the
passengers, 37 were men, 25 were women, and six were children, three of whom
were infants. The impact was so severe
that no one was able to survive and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
According to the investigation committee, the data
recorders indicated the propellers were feathered. A feathered propeller generates no thrust. The
preliminary report revealed that the plane's pilot said that there was no power
from the aircraft's engines before the crash.
The airport was closed as
authorities launched a rescue operation. The Government of Nepal summoned an emergency cabinet meeting
following the crash. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said he was deeply saddened by the
tragic accident and the Office of the Prime Minister declared
16 January to be a national day of mourning to pay respect to those who died
in the crash. The flag of
Nepal was flown at half-staff. Yeti
Airlines cancelled all regular flights scheduled for 16 January.
The Yeti Airlines crash highlights the risks associated with air travel.
The aviation industry and regulatory authorities must work together to ensure
the safety of passengers and crew at all times. Our thoughts are with the
families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
