Kathmandu air crash: City has bad record

Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, has a tragic history of aviation accidents. Here are ten of the worst airline crashes that have occurred in or around Kathmandu:

1. Yeti Airlines Flight NYT 691 (2023)
   On January 15, 2023, an ATR 72-500 crashed near Pokhara, killing 68 of the 72 people on board. This incident marked Nepal’s deadliest domestic air disaster in over three decades, occurring just before the aircraft was set to land.
2. US-Bangla Airlines Flight 211 (2018)
   On March 12, 2018, this Bombardier Q400 crashed while attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, resulting in 51 fatalities out of 71 passengers and crew.
3. Tara Air Flight 197 (2022)
   On May 29, 2022, a Twin Otter aircraft carrying 22 people went missing in the Mustang district. The wreckage was later found, and all on board were confirmed dead.
4. Tara Air Flight 193 (2016)
   On February 24, 2016, this flight disappeared eight minutes after takeoff from Pokhara to Jomsom, with all 23 passengers and crew presumed dead after wreckage was discovered later.
5. Sita Air Flight 601 (2012)
   On September 29, 2012, this aircraft crashed into a river while flying from Kathmandu to Lukla, killing all 19 people on board. The crash was attributed to pilot error.
6. Agni Air Dornier 228 Crash (2012)
   On May 14, 2012, this aircraft crashed near Jomsom, killing 15 of the 21 people on board. The accident was linked to poor weather conditions.
7. Buddha Air Flight BHA-103 (2011)
   On September 25, 2011, a Beechcraft aircraft crashed in the Lalitpur district, resulting in the deaths of all 22 people on board. The crash was attributed to pilot fatigue and poor visibility.
8. Tara Air Twin Otter Crash (2010)
   On December 15, 2010, a Twin Otter aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Lamidanda, killing all 22 passengers and crew members.
9. Agni Air Flight 101 (2010)
   On August 24, 2010, this flight crashed near Bastipur shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu, killing all 14 on board. The cause was determined to be pilot error due to loss of spatial orientation.
10. Yeti Airlines Flight 101 (2008)
    On October 8, 2008, this small private plane crashed in the remote mountains of Lukla, resulting in 18 fatalities, including several foreign nationals.

These incidents highlight the challenges of aviation safety in Nepal, often attributed to difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, and insufficient regulatory oversight.