On the morning of April 28, 2024, the peaceful routine of Kathmandu was violently disrupted by a tragic aviation disaster involving a Saurya Airlines aircraft. The plane, en route to Pokhara, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), tragically killing all 18 passengers and crew, except for the captain. This devastating event stands as one of the gravest tragedies in the history of Nepalese aviation, casting a sombre shadow over the nation.
The incident not only plunged countless families into profound grief but also sparked urgent and critical discussions regarding the current state of aviation safety standards and practices within the region. It has highlighted the pressing need for stringent regulatory oversight and improvements to prevent such catastrophes in the future, ensuring that the skies remain safe for all travellers.
Engine Failure followed by Aerodynamic Stall
In my assessment, the tragic crash of the Saurya Airlines flight was likely caused by an engine failure shortly after takeoff, which subsequently led to an aerodynamic stall. Engine failures are critical emergencies that require immediate and precise responses from the flight crew. Upon losing engine power, the aircraft would have experienced a significant loss of thrust, severely compromising its ability to maintain the necessary airspeed for stable flight. In such scenarios, if the pilot fails to manage the aircraft’s speed and attitude effectively, the plane can enter an aerodynamic stall, where the wings lose their lift capabilities. In this case, the pilot did valiantly attempt to recover; however, due to the low altitude, he was unable to successfully recover from the aerodynamic stall.
An aerodynamic stall during takeoff is particularly perilous due to the low altitude, which offers minimal time and space for recovery. The combination of an engine failure and the resultant stall would have created a dire situation, leaving the pilot with very limited options. Despite their best efforts, the rapid loss of control and the proximity to the ground likely made it impossible to regain stable flight.
This tragic sequence of events underscores the critical importance of rigorous engine maintenance, thorough pilot training, and the implementation of advanced safety protocols to handle such emergencies effectively, aiming to prevent future occurrences of similar disasters.
Appalling Aviation Safety in Nepal
The aviation sector in Nepal has long been shadowed by significant safety concerns. The country’s challenging topography, characterised by its rugged mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns, inherently increases the risks associated with flying. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the primary gateway to the majestic Himalayas, has faced challenges related to infrastructure and compliance with safety standards. These issues have consistently jeopardised the safety and reliability of air travel in the region.
The tragic crash of the Saurya Airlines flight serves as a stark and painful reminder of the many past aviation disasters that have plagued Nepal. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2018 when a US-Bangla Airlines flight crashed while attempting to land at TIA, resulting in the loss of 51 lives. This was not an isolated incident. Similar tragedies over the years have highlighted persistent systemic issues within Nepal’s aviation framework.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has repeatedly raised alarms about the country’s regulatory oversight, maintenance protocols, and the adequacy of pilot training programs. These concerns highlight a deep-seated need for comprehensive reforms to address and mitigate the risks associated with flying in Nepal, ensuring that such devastating accidents become a thing of the past.
Badly Needed Aviation Sector Reforms in Nepal
Following the Saurya Airlines crash, there have been intensified demands for comprehensive reforms within Nepal’s aviation sector. Aviation experts, industry stakeholders, and the families of the victims are calling for immediate and effective measures to enhance safety protocols and prevent future tragedies. These calls underscore the need for systemic changes to address the ongoing safety challenges in the aviation industry.
Splitting of Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation in Nepal needs restructuring to establish a dedicated Ministry of Civil Aviation. This separation is essential to avoid conflicting decisions that arise when a single minister oversees both tourism and civil aviation. A specialised Ministry of Civil Aviation would allow for a focused approach to address critical issues such as aviation safety, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight. It would facilitate the creation of clear, aviation-centric policies and ensure that the unique needs and challenges of the aviation sector are addressed without the influence of tourism and cultural priorities. This strategic move is crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency and safety standards of Nepal’s aviation industry.
Enhancing Pilot Training and Certification Standards
One of the primary areas of focus is the improvement of pilot training and certification standards. It is essential that pilots receive the highest level of training and are adequately equipped to handle emergency situations. This requires the adoption of international best practices and the establishment of collaborations with global aviation authorities to enhance training programmes. The integration of advanced flight simulators and recurrent training modules is crucial to better prepare pilots for real-world emergencies and complex flight scenarios, ensuring a higher standard of operational readiness.
Rigorous Aircraft Maintenance Protocols
Ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through regular and rigorous maintenance checks is another critical area requiring attention. This necessitates stringent regulatory oversight and significant investment in state-of-the-art maintenance facilities, as well as the specialised training of maintenance personnel. Implementing predictive maintenance technologies, alongside strict adherence to maintenance schedules, can greatly reduce the risk of mechanical failures. A robust maintenance regime is vital for maintaining the operational integrity and safety of the aircraft fleet.
Upgrading Airport Infrastructure
Enhancing airport infrastructure is also imperative for improving aviation safety. Tribhuvan International Airport, despite being the busiest in Nepal, requires substantial modernisation. This includes a comprehensive upgrade of runway conditions, improvements to navigation and communication systems, and enhancements to emergency response capabilities. These infrastructure improvements are essential steps toward elevating the overall safety standards of the airport, contributing to safer and more reliable air travel within the region.
Conclusion
The tragic Saurya Airlines crash has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within Nepal’s aviation sector. Enhancing pilot training and certification standards, implementing rigorous aircraft maintenance protocols, and upgrading airport infrastructure are essential steps toward improving aviation safety. Additionally, establishing a separate Ministry of Civil Aviation will ensure focused and effective governance, free from the conflicting interests present in the current structure. These measures are crucial to preventing future tragedies, restoring public confidence, and ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nepal.
Group Capt MJ Augustine Vinod VSM (retd) tweets at @mjavinod. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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