The crash of Saurya airlines: Flight or Fear?
Nepal is blessed with magnificent mountain ranges and valleys, which offer a rich heritage, thus making it one of the most visited countries in the world. Foreign tourists can be seen flocking the busy, bustling and narrow streets of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
While Nepal is prominently connected by road from India ( and I am more of a bus person), travelling by air presents you with breathtaking celestial-like views of popular mountains nestled in the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and more. While scenic views are one part of the story, did you know that the actual climax is thrown in by the unforgiving terrain that poses some serious challenges to pilots, during the approach and take-off phase from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (IATA: KTM)?
On 24th July 2024, Saurya Airlines aircraft, a CRJ-200 (Reg: 9N-AME) crashed moments after take-off from Runway 02 in a right wing bank, in a ditch. Out of 2 pilots and 17 technicians onboard, the only sole survivor was the pilot, draped in blood and wounded, assisted by military personnel. This aircraft was on a repositioning tech flight to Pokhara, where it was scheduled for maintenance and overhaul. While the investigation is underway, only time will narrate the ordeal. When I saw the video circulating on the internet I kept questioning myself as to what could have gone wrong- was it a mechanical failure, or human error?
Nepal is not new to air crashes. Just last year, a Yeti Airlines ATR-72 crashed in Pokhara minutes before landing killing all on-board. Other bone chilling incidents include the crash of Thai airways Airbus A310 in 1992, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Airbus A300 crash in 1992, Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 runway excursion in 2015 with all passengers and crew making it out safely.
It can be inferred that the tremendous challenges imposed by inclement changing weather and the topography at Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lukla can deliver some serious rock and jolt during the approach phase. While many of us are experienced pilots, luck and fate can never be on the flight plan. Travelling by aircraft still is one of the safest modes of transport, and with every air mishap, there are measures and practices put in place to make air travel more enjoyable.
- Pramod Sharma, Author
