Yeti Airlines ATR 72 with 72 Onboard Crashes in Pokhara

A Yeti Airlines ATR 72 aircraft carrying 72 people crashed in Pokhara, Nepal, today while en route from Kathmandu. The crash resulted in at least 67 fatalities, with the number expected to rise. The passengers on board were a diverse group, including Nepali citizens and individuals from India, Russia, Korea, Australia, Argentina, France, and Ireland.

Passenger and Crew Information of Yeti Airlines ATR 72 crash

The aircraft was carrying 68 passengers and four crew members. Videos of the incident show the plane flying low before starting to spin. Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, released a statement expressing his sadness and urging effective rescue efforts.

“I am deeply saddened by the sad and tragic accident of Yeti Airlines ANC ATR 72 which was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara with passengers. I sincerely appeal to the security personnel, all agencies of the Nepal government and the general public to start an effective rescue.”

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Crash Site and Eyewitness Accounts 

According to local resident Arun Tamu, who reached the crash site shortly after the accident, half of the plane landed on a hillside, and the other half fell into a gorge of the Seti river. Footage shows people rushing to the scene to help while black smoke is emitted from the crash site.

ATR, the manufacturer of the ATR 72-500, released a statement expressing condolences and committing to assist with the investigation and the airline. The plane, registration 9N-ANC, was delivered to Yeti Airlines in April 2019 and had previously been held by Nok Air, Investec, and Kingfisher Airlines.

Challenging Terrain in Nepal

Nepal’s terrain, including the Himalayas, can make navigation challenging for airplanes, particularly during takeoff and landing. As a result, airlines often try to avoid flying over the mountain range when possible, but it is not always feasible during domestic and regional missions. This is not the first crash in Nepal, as last year, a Tara Air de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter crashed in Sanosware, resulting in fatalities for all occupants on board.

This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragic incident.

Sources:

• Simple Flying
• REUTERS

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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