A Saurya Airlines flight bound for Pokhara crashed after a runway excursion, killing 18 people including Manuraj Sharma, his wife Priza Khatiwada, and their son Adhiraj Sharma. The remaining passengers were technicians and crew members on their way for regular maintenance to Nepal's new Pokhara airport. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. This accident adds to Nepal's history of aviation tragedies, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in the country.
Saurya Airlines Crash: Tragedy Highlights Nepal's Aviation Safety Concerns
On January 15, 2023, a Saurya Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The plane was bound for Pokhara, a popular tourist destination. Tragically, 18 people lost their lives in the accident, including a prominent Nepalese family and several technicians and crew members.
Background
Saurya Airlines is a privately owned domestic airline based in Nepal. The airline operates a small fleet of aircraft, primarily serving domestic destinations. Nepal has a history of aviation accidents, with several major crashes occurring in recent years. The rugged terrain, challenging weather conditions, and aging aircraft have contributed to the country's poor aviation safety record.
Crash Details
The Saurya Airlines flight crashed after a runway excursion. The plane overshot the runway, veered off the paved surface, and crashed into a soccer field. The impact of the crash caused the aircraft to burst into flames. Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before it crashed.
Investigation
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. A team from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is examining the wreckage and gathering evidence to determine what happened. The investigation will focus on factors such as the plane's maintenance, the weather conditions, and the actions of the pilots.
Safety Concerns
The Saurya Airlines crash has raised serious concerns about aviation safety in Nepal. The country has one of the worst aviation safety records in the world. In the past decade, there have been at least 10 major plane crashes in Nepal, killing hundreds of people.
Industry experts and international organizations have repeatedly called on Nepal to improve its aviation safety standards. The country's aviation infrastructure is outdated, its pilots often lack adequate training, and its safety regulations are not always enforced.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What caused the Saurya Airlines crash? The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
2. How many people died in the crash? 18 people died in the crash.
3. What is being done to improve aviation safety in Nepal? The Nepalese government and CAAN are working to implement safety measures, such as upgrading airport infrastructure, improving pilot training, and enforcing safety regulations.
4. What is the history of aviation accidents in Nepal? Nepal has a history of aviation accidents, with several major crashes occurring in recent years.
5. What can travelers do to stay safe when flying in Nepal? Travelers should choose reputable airlines with good safety records and be aware of the potential risks when flying in Nepal.
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