On Wednesday morning, tragedy struck at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, as a Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft operated by Saurya Airlines crashed during takeoff. The flight was en route to Pokhara and carried 19 individuals, including two crew members and 17 technicians.

According to eyewitnesses and reports from Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAN), the aircraft swerved off course shortly after takeoff from runway 02, crashed on the east side of the runway, and immediately caught fire upon contact. The only survivor, pilot Manish Shankya, suffered a brain injury and is currently in the hospital awaiting treatment.

Investigation and Possible Causes

The initial assessment suggests a 'climb failure', where the aircraft failed to achieve proper altitude after takeoff. Potential causes being investigated include:

• Engine Failure: Speculation surrounds the possibility of one of the engines failing or stalling, contributing to the crash.
• Technical Malfunction: Issues with aircraft systems or components that may have hindered its ability to ascend.
• Weather Conditions: While it was not raining at the time, Kathmandu’s monsoon season can create challenging weather patterns, affecting flight conditions.

Challenges in Nepal's Aviation Sector

Nepal has long struggled with aviation safety issues due to several factors:

• Geographical Challenges: The country’s mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns pose significant challenges to flight operations.
• Infrastructure Limitations: Aging aircraft, inadequate maintenance facilities, and outdated infrastructure contribute to safety concerns.
• Regulatory Oversight: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) oversees both air navigation services and aerodrome operations, raising questions about regulatory effectiveness and conflicts of interest.

Historical Safety Record

Nepal has a troubling aviation safety record, with 68 accidents since 1946 resulting in 900 fatalities. International scrutiny, including a European Union ban on Nepal-based aircraft in 2013, underscores persistent safety challenges.

In conclusion, the tragic plane crash highlights urgent needs for Nepal to address systemic issues within its aviation sector. Enhanced regulatory oversight, infrastructure modernization, and improved training programs for aviation personnel are critical steps to prevent future accidents and ensure safer skies over Nepal.

As investigations into the crash continue, stakeholders must prioritize safety measures to restore confidence in Nepal's aviation industry and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.