Yeti Airlines Crash at Pokhara: Tragic Incident Claims 72 Lives
Reported by Suresh Khanal, The Kathmandu Post
On the 15th of January 2023, a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed at Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board. The ATR 72 was being operated on the Kathmandu-Pokhara route when it crashed while on final approach to landing at Pokhara International Airport.
The aircraft took off from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport and
crashed on the bank of the Seti Gandaki River. A video of the incident showed
the aircraft banking steeply to the left before crashing.
There were 68 passengers on board, including 15 foreigners, and four crew
members. The passengers were made up of 37 men, 25 women, and six children,
three of whom were infants. The impact was so severe that no one survived the
crash, and the aircraft was completely destroyed.
The investigation committee found that the data recorders indicated the
propellers were feathered, which generates no thrust. The preliminary report
revealed that the pilot said there was no power from the aircraft's engines
before the crash.
The Government of Nepal summoned an emergency cabinet meeting following the
crash. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed his deep sorrow and
declared the 16th of January a National Day of Mourning to pay respect to
those who lost their lives in the crash. The flag of Nepal was flown at
half-staff, and Yeti Airlines cancelled all regular flights scheduled for 16th
January.
This tragic incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety of
passengers and crew in the aviation industry. Our thoughts are with the
families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic
accident.