Final investigation report on saurya airline crash released

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has officially released the final report on the Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 crash involving aircraft 9N-AME. The report was handed over to Minister Badri Prasad Pandey on July 18. The plane crashed shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport on July 24, 2024, while heading to Pokhara. The crash killed 18 people; only the pilot, Manish Shakya, survived.

The investigation, led by Ratish Chandralal Suman, found that the main reason for the crash was an aerodynamic stall. This occurred as a result of the crew using incorrect takeoff speeds. They also overestimated the weight and balance of the aircraft. The crew relied on old speed charts instead of the official handbook. This caused the plane to lift too quickly and lose control.

The aircraft had been grounded for over a month and was flying under special permission for maintenance. Six seconds after takeoff, the plane rolled side to side and crashed.

The report identified other problems, including unsecured cargo, poor loading practices, and the absence of proper approval for the flight. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal was also criticized for failing to follow the correct rules.

The report recommends updating speed charts, securing cargo properly, and improving checks for flights like this one. Minister Pandey said the government would carry out all recommendations to improve flight safety.

The full report is available on the ministry’s website. This effort is seen as an important step in improving air safety and preventing similar accidents in the future.