Mountainous Nepal, known for its breathtaking landscapes and treacherous terrains, has a tragic history of deadly air crashes. The nation’s aviation sector faces immense challenges due to difficult weather conditions, rugged topography, and limited infrastructure. The recent crash on July 24, 2024, is a grim reminder of the perils of flying in this Himalayan country.
Key Air Crashes Since 2000
July 24, 2024:
A Bombardier CRJ 200 plane caught fire and crashed while taking off from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people.
July 11, 2023:
A helicopter crash in central Nepal killed six people, including five Mexican nationals and one Nepali pilot. The chopper had departed from Solukhumbu district, known for its high mountain peaks, including Mount Everest.
January 15, 2023:
A Yeti Airlines ATR 72 aircraft crashed in Pokhara, killing all 72 people on board. This incident was the deadliest since 1992, when a Pakistan International Airlines plane crash killed 167 people near Kathmandu.
May 29, 2022:
A De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft crashed 15 minutes after takeoff from Pokhara, killing 22 people, including 16 Nepalis, four Indians, and two Germans.
February 27, 2019:
A helicopter crash in eastern Nepal claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including the country’s tourism minister.
March 12, 2018:
A Bangladeshi airliner operated by US-Bangla Airlines crashed while landing in Kathmandu, killing 51 out of 71 people on board.
February 26, 2016:
A small plane operated by Kasthamandap Airlines crashed in western Nepal’s Kalikot district, with two people feared dead.
February 24, 2016:
A Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tara Air crashed in bad weather, killing all 23 people on board during a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
February 16, 2014:
A state-run Nepal Airlines Corp Twin Otter plane crashed in bad weather, killing all 18 people on board.
September 28, 2012:
A Dornier aircraft struck a bird and crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu, killing 19 people, including seven British and five Chinese passengers.
September 25, 2011:
A Buddha Air Beech aircraft crashed in bad weather near Kathmandu while carrying tourists to view Mount Everest, killing all 19 people on board.
December 16, 2010:
A Twin Otter aircraft operated by Tara Air crashed in the Himalayan foothills of east Nepal, killing all 22 people on board.
August 24, 2010:
A small plane operated by Agni Air crashed in bad weather, killing 14 people, including four Americans, a Japanese, and a British national.
October 8, 2008:
A Twin Otter plane crashed in northeast Nepal’s remote mountains, killing 18 people, mostly foreigners.
March 4, 2008:
A helicopter crash killed at least 10 people, including four U.N. arms monitors.
June 21, 2006:
A Yeti Airlines Twin Otter plane crashed before landing in western Nepal, killing all nine on board.
May 25, 2004:
A Yeti Airlines Twin Otter cargo plane crashed in the Mount Everest region, killing its three crew members.
August 22, 2002:
A Shangrila Air Twin Otter plane carrying tourists crashed into a mountain, killing all 18 people on board.
July 17, 2002:
A twin-engined aircraft crashed into a mountain in western Nepal, killing four people.
July 27, 2000:
A Royal Nepal Airlines Twin Otter passenger plane crashed in western Nepal, killing all 25 people on board.
Nepal’s aviation history is marred by a series of tragic air crashes, largely attributed to the country’s challenging geography and unpredictable weather. Despite advances in aviation technology and safety measures, the risk of accidents remains a significant concern in this mountainous region. The need for enhanced safety protocols, better training for pilots, and improved infrastructure is imperative to prevent further tragedies.