KATHMANDU: An investigation report released by a government-appointed panel in Nepal has attributed the crash of a Yeti Airlines flight, which claimed the lives of 72 people almost a year ago, to pilot error. The ATR 72 aircraft crashed just before landing in Pokhara, resulting in one of the deadliest airplane accidents in Nepal in the past three decades.
The report revealed that the crash occurred due to the pilots mistakenly cutting power, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The lack of awareness and absence of standard operating procedures contributed to the error, as the pilots inadvertently placed the condition levers in the feathering position instead of selecting the flap lever. This caused the engine to run idle and lose thrust, with the aircraft flying for up to 49 seconds before crashing.
Dipak Prasad Bastola, an aeronautical engineer and member of the investigating panel, highlighted the critical role played by the incorrect manipulation of power controls in the tragic incident.
Plane Crash Incidents in Nepal
The ATR 72 aircraft, operated by Yeti Airlines, had 72 people on board, including two infants, four crew members, and 15 foreign nationals. Unfortunately, there were no survivors.
The crash marked Nepal’s deadliest air accident since 1992. Nepal’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions have made aviation safety a significant concern, with nearly 350 people losing their lives in plane or helicopter crashes since 2000.
The European Union has banned Nepali airlines from its airspace since 2013, citing safety concerns, further underscoring the challenges faced by the country’s aviation sector.
