Horror of Pokhara crash

The Yeti Airlines ATR-72 crash in the heart of the city on a clear day has left me deeply unsettled. It’s shocking, especially since this aircraft type has a solid safety record. As someone who frequently flies for work, I rely on these planes and airlines. Aerial accidents aren’t new in Nepal; they’re often blamed on the country’s tough terrain, unpredictable weather, outdated infrastructure, poorly trained staff, and old planes.

The government quickly formed a probe committee, but I can already guess what their report might say. Pokhara, where the crash happened, doesn’t have the difficult terrain that usually gets blamed for such accidents. The weather was perfect, and the crash took place near Nepal’s newest international airport, which had just opened a week prior. That rules out both poor weather and infrastructure as reasons.

There’s also talk that the airline operating the crashed plane is owned by powerful people, so it seems unlikely the report will point fingers at the company or the condition of its aging aircraft, even though this airline has had multiple crashes in the last decade. Most likely, the blame will fall on the pilots or air traffic control, as “human error” is a common conclusion in these investigations.

I really hope this time the investigation is thorough and leads to real change in how air travel is handled in Nepal. Safe and reliable flights are crucial for the tourism industry, which is key to the country’s economy. I also hope journalists and influencers keep digging into the irregularities within the airline industry and the regulatory bodies. We need them to keep the pressure on so that the truth isn’t buried under the weight of advertising money or political influence.

Safe skies are essential not just for tourism, but for the future of Nepal’s economy as a whole.

Image source: Nagarik News