A Buddha Air aircraft experienced a serious incident on Friday morning, skidding off the runway during its landing approach at Bhadrapur Airport in eastern Nepal. The event caused significant alarm but, fortunately, resulted in no injuries to the 71 individuals on board.
Details of the Bhadrapur Airport Incident
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft 1900D, registration number 9N-AET, operating as flight U4501. It was on a scheduled journey from the capital, Kathmandu, to Bhadrapur. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 AM local time as the plane was making its landing. According to initial reports, the aircraft veered off the runway surface shortly after touching down.
An official from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) confirmed the basic sequence of events. All 68 passengers and 3 crew members were evacuated safely following the runway excursion. Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, and airport emergency services responded immediately to the scene. The quick response ensured there was no panic and that all occupants were accounted for without harm.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
The immediate consequence of the skid was the closure of Bhadrapur Airport's sole runway. This led to the disruption of all flight operations at the facility. Other flights scheduled to land or take off from Bhadrapur were either canceled or diverted to alternative airports until authorities could assess the situation and clear the runway.
Buddha Air, a prominent private airline in Nepal, promptly acknowledged the incident. In an official statement, the airline assured the public that safety is their utmost priority and that a detailed investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause. The airline is cooperating fully with the regulatory authorities from CAAN. The focus now is on recovering the aircraft and investigating the factors that led to the runway excursion, which could include weather conditions, technical issues, or operational procedures.
Broader Context for Aviation Safety
This incident at Bhadrapur Airport brings attention back to the challenges of aviation in Nepal, a country known for its difficult mountainous terrain. While Nepal's aviation sector has seen significant safety improvements in recent years, incidents like this underscore the need for continuous vigilance. Bhadrapur Airport, serving the Jhapa district, is a crucial connector for the eastern region of the country.
The successful evacuation without injuries is a positive testament to the crew's training and the effectiveness of the emergency response. However, it will undoubtedly lead to renewed scrutiny of landing protocols and ground conditions at regional airports. The investigation's findings will be crucial for preventing similar occurrences in the future and maintaining public confidence in air travel within Nepal.
Passengers booked on affected Buddha Air flights are advised to contact the airline directly for information on rescheduling or refunds as operations work to return to normal.
