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.

🚨 | A Yeti Airlines ATR 72-500 has crashed in Pokhara, central Nepal. The aircraft was carrying 68 passengers and 4 crew members at the time of the incident. pic.twitter.com/mst0zEemEA
— Air Crash Investigation (@AirCrash_) January 15, 2023

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.

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“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.

Yeti Airlines ATR 72 — Photo by: ***Bijay Neupane/Handout via REUTERS***

Yeti airlines ATR72 has crashed near Pokhara Airport. A total of 68 passengers and four crew members were on board. Plumes of smoke can be seen engulfing the area, no clarity on survivors as of now. Info: @ridhimb pic.twitter.com/Id3Lsdce4Q
— Griha Atul (@GrihaAtul) January 15, 2023

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.

ATR has been informed that an accident occurred in Nepal involving an ATR 72-500. Our first thoughts are with all the individuals affected by this. The ATR specialists are fully engaged to support both the investigation and the customer.
— ATR (@ATRaircraft) January 15, 2023

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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.