In a heart-stopping incident at one of Nepal's key airports, approximately fifty passengers and crew members experienced a narrow escape after their aircraft overshot the runway during landing. The event, which unfolded at the picturesque yet challenging Pokhara International Airport, has once again brought aviation safety in the Himalayan nation into sharp focus.
The Incident: A Terrifying Landing in Pokhara
The aircraft involved was a Buddha Air Beechcraft 1900D twin-engine turboprop, operating a scheduled domestic flight. On Thursday, May 23, 2024, the plane was attempting to land at Pokhara International Airport when the pilot lost control. Instead of coming to a halt on the designated tarmac, the aircraft overshot the runway end.
Miraculously, despite the dramatic exit from the runway surface, the plane did not suffer a catastrophic crash. It came to rest in a grassy area beyond the paved strip, preventing serious injury or loss of life. Initial reports confirmed that all 44 passengers and 4 crew members on board were safely evacuated. The local time of the incident was reported to be in the morning, though specific details were initially scarce as authorities scrambled to respond.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation Launch
Following the emergency, airport operations were temporarily disrupted as rescue and recovery teams rushed to the site. Emergency protocols were activated swiftly. The primary concern was the safe disembarkation of all individuals, which was successfully accomplished.
An official from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed the incident and stated that a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the precise cause. The probe will examine multiple factors, including:
- Pilot actions and communications
- Aircraft technical condition prior to landing
- Weather conditions at Pokhara at the time of the incident
- Runway conditions and any potential obstructions
The aircraft itself sustained damage and remained off the runway, necessitating efforts to clear the area and restore full operational capacity at the airport.
Context: Aviation Challenges in Nepal
This incident at Pokhara International Airport is not an isolated event in Nepal's aviation history. The country's rugged terrain, unpredictable weather patterns, and historically challenging airport infrastructures have contributed to a number of aviation accidents over the decades. Pokhara, a major tourist gateway to the Annapurna mountain range, has a relatively new international airport that began operations recently, aiming to improve connectivity and safety standards.
However, this incident underscores the persistent risks. It serves as a stark reminder to regulators, airlines, and pilots about the critical importance of stringent safety protocols, especially during the final approach and landing phases—statistically the most dangerous parts of any flight.
For the passengers and crew of Buddha Air Flight, it was a day that ended with immense relief alongside fear. Their narrow escape will likely fuel further discussions on enhancing operational safety across Nepal's domestic airline industry, which is vital for both tourism and the mobility of its citizens.
