Deadly Yeti Airlines crash highlights dangers of flying in Nepal
The tragic plane crash that occurred in Nepal on Sunday has left a devastating impact on the lives of many families and loved ones. The Yeti Airlines flight, carrying 72 passengers, crashed near the city of Pokhara resulting in the loss of at least 69 lives with very little chance of survival for the remaining passengers.
Emergency personnel immediately began a search and rescue operation, but with difficult terrain and inclement weather, the recovery mission has been a challenging one. The remains of 41 victims have been identified, and their families have been notified of the devastating news. Autopsies were delayed as forensic experts did not reach the crash site until Monday afternoon.
This tragic incident once again highlights the dangers of air travel in Nepal, which is often referred to as one of the riskiest places to fly. Poor weather conditions, low visibility and mountainous topography all contribute to the country’s reputation as a dangerous place for aviation. The crash is the worst air disaster in Nepal in 30 years and the third-worst aviation accident in the country’s history according to data from the Aviation Safety Network.
Adding to the heartbreak of this tragedy, it was revealed that the pilot of the flight, Captain Anju Khatiwada, had lost her husband, a co-pilot for the same airline, in a similar crash in 2006. Determined to pursue her passion for flying, she used the insurance payout money from her husband’s death to train in the US and had been flying with Yeti Airlines since 2010 with over 6,300 hours of flight experience.
The investigation into the tragic Yeti Airlines crash continues as authorities work to uncover the cause of the disaster. A government committee is leading the probe, with support from French authorities, as the ill-fated aircraft was manufactured by aerospace company ATR, based in France. The plane’s black box, a crucial tool for understanding what occurred during the flight, has been recovered and will be analyzed by experts to gain insights into the crash. As families and loved ones mourn the loss of the 69 passengers and crew on board, the investigation is crucial in understanding how this tragedy occurred and how to prevent future incidents.
The lakeside city of Pokhara, a popular tourist destination and gateway to the Himalayas, serves as the starting point for the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking route and had welcomed over 181,000 foreigners in 2019 alone. This tragic incident not only brings grief to the families and loved ones of the victims, but also casts a shadow over the country’s tourism industry.
As we mourn the loss of so many innocent lives, let us also remember the courageous pilots who risk their lives every day to ensure the safe travel of passengers, and the dedication of the emergency personnel who work tirelessly in difficult conditions to bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy.
A plane crash in Nepal left 69 dead out of 72 people on boardThe crash highlights the dangers of flying in Nepal, known for its risky conditions due to weather, visibility, and topography
The crash is the worst air disaster in the country in 30 years
A government committee is investigating the cause of the crash with the assistance of French authorities
The plane’s black box was recovered and will be handed to the civil aviation authority
Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority has found no mechanical issues with other ATR-42 and ATR-47 aircraft in the country
Nepal’s “hostile topography” also poses challenges for flight operations.
The Yeti Airlines flight was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it lost contact with the control tower
15 foreign nationals were among those on board
The pilot of the flight had previously lost her husband, a co-pilot for the same airline, in a similar crash in 2006
Autopsies were delayed as forensic experts did not reach Pokhara until Monday afternoon
Two South Korean citizens are among the victims, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The bodies of foreign victims will be taken to Kathmandu for identification
Pokhara is a popular tourist destination and starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trekking route
The cause of the crash is currently being investigated with the assistance of French authorities as the plane was manufactured by aerospace company ATR, headquartered in France.
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