Nepal Plane Crash: All 18 Onboard Saurya Airlines' Flight Dead, Pilot Injured | Full List of Flyers

Kathmandu: A Saurya Airlines plane carrying 19 people veered off the runway and crashed while attempting to take off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The aircraft was en route to the resort town of Pokhara when the deadly mishap took place, which led to multiple fatalities, with only the pilot surviving. According to police spokesman Dan Bahadur Karki, the pilot is currently receiving medical treatment.  

Meanwhile, a dramatic video has emerged online, capturing the moment the Saurya Airlines plane crashed. The footage reveals the aircraft engulfed in flames shortly after skidding off the runway. The crash took place around 11:15 am local time (0530 GMT), according to an official statement from Nepal's military.  "Rescue work is ongoing," the statement read.

Nepal Plane Crash: List of Passengers Aboard Saurya Airlines' Plane CRJ7

How Did The Nepal Plane Crash Happen?

Eyewitnesses at the scene informed that the plane took off from the southern end of the runway before suddenly jerking and striking the ground with its wing. Following the impact, the aircraft caught fire and subsequently crashed on the eastern side of the runway. “The plane took off from the southern end of the runway but suddenly jerked, causing its wing to hit the ground. It then caught fire and crashed on the eastern side of the runway, between the Buddha Air hangar and the radar station”, an Eyewitness told Republic.  

It fell between the Buddha Air hangar and the radar station. Tribhuvan International Airport, the main airport in Nepal for international and domestic flights, has been closed as emergency crew worked.

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu One of The Most Dangerous in The World

Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to several factors:  

Challenging Geography: The airport is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. The terrain creates a narrow approach and departure path, increasing the risk of accidents, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Weather Conditions: Kathmandu experiences unpredictable weather, including sudden fog, heavy rain, and strong crosswinds. These conditions can complicate landing and takeoff procedures.

Limited Space: The runway is relatively short and situated at a high altitude of approximately 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. The combination of limited space and high altitude affects aircraft performance, making it harder to achieve the required takeoff and landing distances.

Traffic Congestion: The airport handles a high volume of traffic, including both international and domestic flights. The congestion can lead to delays and increased pressure on pilots and air traffic controllers.

Complex Approach and Departure Routes: Due to the surrounding mountains, aircraft must navigate complex flight paths during approach and departure, which demands precision and expertise.

Limited Modern Facilities: Despite improvements, some facilities and infrastructure may not meet the highest international standards, potentially affecting safety.