Kathmandu, July 19 - A government-appointed investigation panel in Nepal released a report on 18 July, identifying the cause of a tragic plane crash that occurred in July 2024, claiming 18 lives. The incident involved a CRJ-200LR aircraft operated by Saurya Airlines, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. The crash killed all 17 passengers and the co-pilot, with only the captain surviving. According to the panel’s findings, the primary cause of the disaster was faulty information in the aircraft’s speed card, a critical document that provides essential airspeed data for takeoff, climb, and landing. This error led to a catastrophic sequence of events that culminated in a deep stall during takeoff, resulting in the loss of the aircraft.
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The report detailed that the crash was triggered by an abnormally rapid pitch rate commanded at a lower-than-optimal rotation speed. The speed card, which should have ensured the pilots had accurate airspeed information, contained errors that went unnoticed by the airline’s crew and operational staff. These errors caused the aircraft to attempt a premature takeoff before reaching the necessary speed, as explained by aviation expert Nagendra Prasad Ghimire. The premature rotation led to a rapid ascent that the aircraft could not sustain, resulting in a deep stall—a condition where the aircraft loses lift due to an excessively high angle of attack. The plane sank approximately 130 feet in just four seconds, struck the ground, and disintegrated, with blunt force trauma and burn injuries identified as the primary causes of death for those onboard.
Further compounding the issue, the investigation revealed systemic failures at Saurya Airlines. The report highlighted that the airline had previously failed to address instances of high pitch rates during takeoff, indicating a pattern of oversight. Additionally, there was gross negligence and non-compliance in the handling of cargo and baggage, which likely contributed to the aircraft’s improper configuration during the flight. The panel noted that the procedure for issuing flight permission for the ferry flight was inadequate, with incomplete records and non-compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s (CAAN) procedural manual. The aircraft had also been grounded for short-term storage until July 19, 2024, and underwent a return-to-service check on the morning of the crash, raising questions about the thoroughness of pre-flight inspections.
In response to the findings, the investigation panel issued several recommendations to prevent future incidents. It urged all operators to review their speed cards to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety standards. The panel also called for stricter adherence to cargo and baggage handling protocols. Additionally, it recommended that CAAN revise its procedures for permitting non-scheduled flights, including ferry and non-revenue flights, to enhance oversight. Saurya Airlines’ operation manager, Bivechan Khanal, stated that the airline would take all necessary steps to implement the panel’s recommendations. The crash underscored Nepal’s ongoing challenges with air safety, a critical issue for a landlocked nation heavily reliant on air connectivity. Since 2013, the European Union has banned Nepalese air carriers from its airspace due to persistent safety concerns, a restriction that remains in place. The tragedy has reignited discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in Nepal’s aviation sector to prevent further loss of life.