Nepal Plane Crash: Tragedy Strikes at Kathmandu Airport. 18 Killed

0

Nepal Plane Crash

The Incident

On a fateful day, a domestic flight operated by Yeti Airlines took off from Kathmandu, Nepal, bound for the popular tourist destination of Pokhara. The flight, numbered Yeti Airlines Flight 691, was a short 27-minute journey. However, just minutes away from landing, disaster struck. The twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft crashed, killing at least 69 people on board. Among the passengers were five Indians, four Russians, two South Koreans, and individuals from Argentina, Ireland, Australia, and France1.

The Final Moments

Harrowing videos captured the flight’s final moments. One video, recorded inside the cabin and posted on Facebook, showed passengers’ excitement turning to terror. Sonu Jaiswal, an Indian passenger, smiled as he recorded the flight’s approach. Moments later, screams filled the cabin as flames engulfed the screen. Another video, shot from the ground, revealed the plane flying low over a densely populated area before suddenly banking left and plunging from the sky.

Investigation and Recovery

Authorities retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from the wreckage. These “black boxes” hold crucial information that may reveal what caused the tragic crash. The investigation is ongoing, but initial reports suggest human error as a contributing factor. The crash occurred near Pokhara International Airport, which had opened just two weeks prior and lacked a landing guiding system.

Remembering the Victims

Among the victims was Anju Khatiwada, a trailblazing co-pilot employed by Yeti Airlines. Anju had flown close to 6,400 hours and was a brave woman who had done solo flights. Her loss, along with that of others, leaves a profound impact on Nepal’s aviation community and beyond.

As the nation mourns, we remember those who perished in this heartbreaking tragedy. May their souls rest in peace.

 


 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *