On Wednesday morning, a Saurya Airlines CRJ 7-9 aircraft, en route to Pokhara for comprehensive C-check maintenance, crashed just 20 to 22 seconds after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport. The incident occurred at 11:11 AM, shortly after the aircraft received a “Clear for Takeoff” command from the air traffic controller.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the final communication between the aircraft and the tower indicated no issues with the plane before takeoff. However, the aircraft began to experience instability shortly after leaving the runway, veering off course and crashing to the ground.
Gnanaendra Bhul, an information officer at the Authority, stated that there were no reports of problems from the captain during the final communication. “It appears that the aircraft lost control 20 to 22 seconds after leaving the runway,” he noted. “The exact cause of the crash remains unclear at this stage.”
The plane, carrying 19 people including two captains, resulted in 18 fatalities. The injured pilot, Captain Manish Ratna Shakya, is receiving treatment at KMC Hospital.
At the time of the crash, the weather was clear, and no external factors appeared to have contributed to the incident. The crash site was in proximity to ongoing construction work at Tribhuvan International Airport, with construction materials visible around the area. Bhul suggested that these materials might have prevented the aircraft from reaching residential areas, potentially limiting further damage. “It seems the aircraft was obstructed by construction materials, which may have prevented a worse outcome,” he said.
The CRJ aircraft was being flown for routine maintenance and testing, a process known as a C-check, which is performed to ensure the aircraft’s airworthiness. This type of check does not imply that the aircraft is unfit to fly; rather, it is a standard procedure for detecting any hidden faults.
The details of the crash came to light four minutes after the aircraft hit the ground. According to Nepal Police, they received information about the crash at 11:15 AM. Rescue efforts began at 11:34 AM, with Captain Shakya being rescued 23 minutes after the crash occurred. The fire was brought under control by 11:40 AM, and by 11:50 AM, it was confirmed that there were 19 people on board, including two crew members.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with authorities examining all possible factors, including the impact of nearby construction activities and the aircraft’s condition before the flight.
