In a late-night aviation incident, a Buddha Air aircraft overshot the runway while landing at Nepal's Bhadrapur Airport. The event, which occurred on Friday night, resulted in no injuries to the 55 individuals on board, marking a fortunate escape for all involved.
Details of the Bhadrapur Airport Incident
The aircraft involved was operating as Flight 901 on the Kathmandu to Bhadrapur route. It had taken off from the capital at 8:23 pm and was attempting to land at its destination at approximately 9:08 pm when the mishap took place. Officials stated that the plane, carrying 51 passengers and 4 crew members, skidded off the airstrip during the landing procedure.
According to airport authorities, the aircraft overran the runway by nearly 200 metres. It eventually came to a stop in a grassy area close to a rivulet, sustaining what was described as minor damage. The pilot-in-command was identified as Sailesh Limbu. This flight was the final service of the day on the Kathmandu–Bhadrapur sector.
Swift Evacuation and Official Response
The immediate aftermath of the incident saw a successful and safe evacuation. Tribhuvan International Airport spokesperson Rinji Sherpa confirmed that all passengers and crew were evacuated shortly after the aircraft came to a halt. This swift action was crucial in ensuring everyone's safety.
Local administration also verified the positive outcome. Jhapa Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal explicitly stated that no injuries were reported from the scene. The lack of casualties turned a potentially serious accident into a significant relief for the airline and authorities.
Aftermath and Investigation
In response to the event, Buddha Air has initiated a technical assessment. The airline has dispatched a technical team from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur Airport to examine the aircraft thoroughly. The plane was scheduled to remain at the airport overnight. The initial plan was for it to return to the capital on the first available flight the following morning, pending the technical inspection's findings.
Such incidents highlight the critical importance of runway safety and pilot training in regional aviation. The successful evacuation without any harm underscores the effectiveness of emergency protocols followed by the crew. Aviation authorities are likely to review the circumstances leading to the runway overshoot to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
