Human Error and Lack of Awareness Led to Fatal Yeti Airlines Crash in Nepal

Nearly a year after the tragic crash of a Yeti Airlines flight in Nepal that claimed the lives of 72 people, a government-appointed investigation panel has released its findings, attributing the disaster to a combination of human error and a lack of awareness. The report reveals that the pilots inadvertently cut power, leading to an aerodynamic stall and the subsequent crash.

The ill-fated flight was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a vital hub for religious pilgrims and trekkers when the accident occurred during its descent. The January 15 crash marked one of Nepal’s worst aviation accidents in the past three decades, with no survivors among the 72 individuals on board, including two infants, four crew members, and 15 foreign nationals, including five Indian citizens.

According to the report submitted by a five-member Investigation Commission, the primary cause of the accident was the unintended movement of both condition levers into the feathered position during the flight. This action led to the feathering of both propellers, resulting in a loss of thrust, an aerodynamic stall, and a collision with the terrain.

Dipak Prasad Bastola, an aeronautical engineer and a panel member, clarified that the pilots mistakenly manipulated the condition levers, responsible for controlling power, instead of selecting the flap lever. This action caused the engines to idle and produce no thrust. Remarkably, the aircraft continued to glide for up to 49 seconds before crashing.

Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, another member of the investigating commission, emphasized that the “wrong lever” was engaged in the cockpit, stating that the plane was technically sound. It was human input errors that led to the stall and crash.

The investigation report also shed light on a broader issue: the lack of standard operating procedures and awareness among the pilots. The aircraft involved in the incident was operated by privately-owned Yeti Airlines and was an ATR 72 with engines manufactured in Canada by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Notably, the European Union had banned Nepali airlines from its airspace since 2013 due to safety concerns.

After eight months and three days of rigorous investigation, the Investigation Commission submitted its report to the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati. In response, Minister Kirati has urged relevant authorities to strictly implement the commission’s recommendations to prevent future accidents caused by human error and operational deficiencies.

This tragic incident involving Yeti Airlines in Pokhara marked the 104th crash in Nepali skies and stands as the third most devastating in terms of casualties.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, hindustantimes.com