Yeti Airlines crashes near Pokhara airport

A tragic incident occurred on a Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, resulting in a devastating crash. The crash happened between the old Pokhara airport and the newly constructed Pokhara International Airport.

Flight Details and Crash Information

• Flight Departure: The aircraft departed from Kathmandu at 10:30 am on Sunday.
• Last Contact: The pilot was last in contact with the air traffic control tower at 10:50 am.
• Crash Location: The aircraft crashed at Seti Gorge, approximately 1.5 km from Pokhara's new airport.
• Official Statement: According to Sudarshan Bartaula, spokesperson for Yeti Airlines, the plane was approaching to land when the crash occurred.

Passengers and Crew Onboard

A total of 72 people were on board the aircraft, including passengers and crew members. The breakdown is as follows:

• Passengers: 68
• Crew Members: 4
• Nationality Breakdown:
  • Nepali Nationals: 53
  • Foreign Nationals: 15 (including 6 children)
    • Indians: 5
    • Russians: 4
    • Koreans: 2
    • Single Passengers from Argentina, Australia, and France

Flight Tracking and Technical Details

• Aircraft Model: Yeti Airlines operated a 15-year-old double-engine ATR 72.
• Flight Tracking Data: According to flight radar tracking, the aircraft stopped transmitting position data at 05:05 GMT. The last signal from the airplane was recorded at 05:12 GMT.

Previous Aviation Incidents in Nepal

• 2018 US-Bangla Airlines Crash: A flight from Dhaka to Kathmandu crashed during landing, resulting in 51 fatalities.
• May 2022 Tara Air Crash: A Tara Air plane crashed in the Mustang district, killing 22 people.

The tragic crash of the Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara has raised concerns about aviation safety in Nepal. With 72 lives lost, including passengers and crew, this incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.