A Buddha Air flight carrying 72 passengers and four crew members made a safe emergency landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) today after encountering mechanical issues mid-flight. The aircraft, designated as flight BHA 953, had departed earlier in the day for Chandragadi Airport in Bhadrapur, Jhapa.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred approximately 43 nautical miles east of Kathmandu when the aircraft experienced a flameout in its left engine, leaving it to operate on a single engine. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the flight crew promptly declared a full emergency. The plane returned to TIA, executing a VOR-assisted approach from the Guras Point, and landed safely at 11:15 AM, according to officials from the TIA Civil Aviation Office.
Use of VOR System
The successful emergency landing was facilitated by the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) system, a navigational aid that provides precise directional guidance through radio signals. VOR serves as a critical backup when GPS systems are unavailable or when airports lack Instrument Landing System (ILS) capabilities. The technology operates like a radio lighthouse, transmitting signals that aircraft receivers interpret to determine the plane’s exact position relative to the VOR station.
Response and Outcome
The efficient handling of the emergency by the pilots and the ground team ensured the safety of all onboard. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has commended the swift response and professionalism demonstrated during the incident.
This event underscores the importance of robust navigational systems like VOR and highlights the expertise of Nepal’s aviation personnel in managing in-flight emergencies effectively.
