The investigation commission into the Saurya Airlines crash at Tribhuvan International Airport on Shrawan 9, 2081 has released its preliminary report. Following International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, preliminary findings are required to be made public in the event of major aviation accidents.
The preliminary report indicates that one possible cause of the accident was the failure of the airline (Saurya Airlines) to adhere to its operational and ground handling manual regarding cargo placement. According to the report, the manual, which must be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), was in place but not followed. This manual specifies procedures for weighing cargo, loading it, and securing it inside the aircraft.
Additionally, the report highlighted that the aircraft, carrying cargo, did not perform the necessary calculations for takeoff speed, known as ‘V-speed,’ which accounts for external temperature, airport altitude, and cargo load. This calculation is critical for safe takeoff, and the failure to perform it is cited as a second possible cause of the accident.
The commission also noted that the airline’s adherence to maintenance regulations for “ferry flights” (flights used to return an aircraft to service) was insufficient. The preliminary report suggested that there was negligence in the airline’s procedures for ferry flights and also criticized CAAN for its oversight.
The preliminary findings also pointed out potential negligence in cargo flight operations and a lack of rigorous oversight by CAAN. The report recommends that all airlines strictly follow cargo flight manuals improve regulations and review non-scheduled and ferry flight operations.
The aircraft involved, a CRJ-200 with registration number 9N-NME, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in 18 fatalities. Captain Manish Ratna Shakya was rescued alive, although the plane crashed within 20 seconds of takeoff and landed on its side, causing significant casualties among passengers. The report notes that fire services arrived at the scene 1 minute and 40 seconds after the crash.
The commission’s report emphasizes the need for airlines to adhere to cargo flight procedures and calls for a review and improvement of regulations and oversight by the Civil Aviation Authority.
