As eighteen people died on Wednesday as a Saurya Airlines flight skid off the runway while taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, Nepal has seen over 350 people dying in air crashes since 2000. This incident adds to Nepal’s long history of aviation disasters, exacerbated by the country's challenging mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, aging aircraft, and inadequate regulatory oversight. According to the Aviation Safety database, there have been at least 27 fatal plane crashes in Nepal over the past three decades. Timeline of plane crashes in Nepal: • May 2022: A Tara Air flight carrying 22 passengers, including four Indian nationals, crashed in Nepal's Mustang district. The bodies were recovered three days later, and an investigation pointed to poor weather as a potential cause. • February 2019: An Air Dynasty helicopter, with seven passengers including Nepal’s Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari, crashed into a hill while attempting to return to Kathmandu in cloudy conditions. The preliminary report cited violations of operating procedures, including improper weight distribution and seating arrangements. • March 2018: A US-Bangla Airlines flight from Dhaka crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport, killing 49 people. The aircraft caught fire after veering off the runway and crashing into a football ground. The investigation suggested pilot disorientation as a probable cause. • February 2016: An Air Kasthamandap flight crashed in Kalikot district, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to nine passengers. • May 2015: A US Marine Corps helicopter crashed in the Charikot region while delivering aid after two earthquakes, killing all eight occupants, including six US Marines and two Nepali soldiers. • May 2012: A Dornier aircraft crashed near Jomsom Airport, killing 15 people, including 13 Indian pilgrims. The plane was en route from Pokhara to Jomsom. • September 2011: A Buddha Air Beechcraft 1900D on a sightseeing trip around Mount Everest crashed, killing all 19 people on board, including 10 Indians. The accident occurred during adverse weather conditions with thick monsoon clouds enveloping the Kathmandu area. • September 2006: A Shree Air helicopter carrying 24 passengers, including World Wide Fund for Nature officials, crashed in Eastern Nepal. • June 2006: A Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed, resulting in multiple fatalities. • November 2001: A chartered helicopter crashed in Western Nepal, killing Princess Prekshya Shah and five others. • July 2000: A Twin Otter operated by Royal Nepal Airlines crashed en route to Dhangadhi Airport, killing 22 passengers and three crew members. • July 1993: An Everest Air Dornier aircraft crashed near Chule Ghopte hill, killing 19 people. • September 1992: A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A300 crashed while landing in Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board. The aircraft struck a mountain ridge 11 km from the airport. • July 1992: A Thai Airways Airbus A310 crashed during its approach to Kathmandu, killing all 113 onboard. The plane collided with a mountain in heavy monsoon rain due to a minor failure in the plane’s flaps and miscommunication with air traffic control. • July 1969: A Royal Nepal Airlines flight crashed en route to Sinara Airport, killing 31 passengers and four crew members. Nepal’s aviation sector continues to face challenges in improving safety, underscoring the need for investment in infrastructure, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory oversight to prevent future tragedies.
