Yeti Airlines ATR-72 crash in the middle of the city, in a clear day with aircraft of such a spotless safety record is bemusing and having chills go down in my spine. I am one of the frequent flyers and have to depend on these aircraft and airlines for my work. Aerial disasters are not new in this country, and these are generally attributed to difficult terrain, unpredictable weather, poor infrastructures, untrained human resources and ageing aircrafts. Probe committee has been immediately formed by the government, and I think it is obvious what would be the conclusion of the report. Difficult terrain cannot be blamed as Pokhara is not even close to represent difficult topography that this country has. Weather and poor infrastructure cannot be blamed as this crashed happened in such good sunny day near the newest international airport that was inaugurated just a week ago. There is news that airline that operate this ill-fated plane belongs to some powerful people, and hence, it is less likely that the probe team will put blame to this company or the ageing and ill-maintained aircraft despite the fact that this carrier have questionable safety records with several crashes in the past decade. Remaining is pilots (or ATC) to blame, and I worry that this will be the conclusion in this case as well. All previous probe reports usually point their finger only to “human errors”.
I hope the team do some serious investigation and come out with their report that gives new direction to the way of air travelling. Safe and reliable air travelling is such an important aspect of tourism for this country without which the economy cannot thrive and boom. I hope that the news agencies and influencers keep on digging the irregularities that are going on with the regulators and airlines for the future of this industry. I hope that voices are not suppressed by their ad moneys.
I’d like to extend my heartiest condolence and sending healing prayers and comfort to friends and families of the victims during this tough time.