Saurya Airlines Bombardier CRJ200ER Crash at Kathmandu on July 24th, 2024

On July 24th, 2024, a Bombardier CRJ200ER, registration 9N-AME, operated by Saurya Airlines as flight FER, crashed shortly after take-off from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The aircraft was on a scheduled ferry flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara International Airport, Gandaki Province. Tragically, 18 of the 19 people on board were killed, with the captain being the sole survivor.

Aircraft Details:

• Aircraft Type: Bombardier CRJ200ER
• Registration: 9N-AME
• Serial Number: 7772
• Engines: Two General Electric CF34-3B1 engines
• Operator: Saurya Airlines (formerly Kuber Airlines)
• Year of Manufacture: 2003
• Aircraft Service History: The aircraft was delivered to Atlantic Coast Airlines in 2003 and had been in service with Saurya Airlines since 2017. It had been grounded in Kathmandu for 34 days prior to the accident, with maintenance scheduled for July 25th, 2024, the day following the crash.

Flight and Occupants:

• Flight Number: SAU-FER
• Flight Origin: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Destination: Pokhara International Airport, Gandaki Province, Nepal
• Occupants: 19 (16 passengers, 3 crew)
• Fatalities: 18
• Injuries: 1 (Captain, non-life-threatening injuries)

Accident Sequence:

• Take-off and Initial Climb: The accident occurred at approximately 11:15 NPT, shortly after take-off from Kathmandu’s runway 04. Eyewitnesses and footage indicate that the aircraft lifted only slightly off the runway before rolling onto its side. The aircraft banked sharply, and its wing tip struck the ground.
• Impact and Crash Site: The aircraft skidded off the runway and into a gorge east of the airport between an aircraft hangar and a radar station. The impact caused the aircraft to catch fire, with flames and smoke quickly engulfing the wreckage. Footage from the scene shows firefighters extinguishing the blaze while attempting to rescue survivors.
• Cockpit Separation: According to reports from Nepal’s Civil Aviation Minister, Badri Pandey, the aircraft’s cockpit was severed from the fuselage upon impact with a freight container. The cockpit became embedded in the container, while the rest of the aircraft continued further down the gorge.

Weather and Conditions:

• Weather: Low visibility was reported at Tribhuvan International Airport at the time of the accident. Weather conditions may have played a role in the aircraft’s loss of control during take-off.
• Technical Issues: An airport official stated that “cracking noises” were heard from the aircraft before the crash, suggesting the possibility of mechanical failure.

Rescue and Recovery:

• Fatalities and Injuries: Of the 19 occupants, 18 people were killed, including the first officer, Sushant Katuwal, and all 16 passengers. The only survivor was the captain, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital for treatment.
• Emergency Response: Rescue operations were conducted immediately following the crash, with firefighting teams attempting to control the blaze and reach survivors. Despite their efforts, most of the occupants perished in the crash and subsequent fire.

Investigation:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States, as the aircraft’s manufacturer is based in North America, is assisting local authorities in investigating the accident. Preliminary reports suggest a combination of factors including mechanical issues and adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the crash. Low visibility at the time of take-off, along with the “cracking noises” reported by witnesses, are key aspects of the ongoing investigation.

Aircraft Maintenance and Grounding:

The aircraft had been on the ground in Kathmandu for 34 days prior to the accident, with scheduled maintenance planned for July 25th, 2024, the day after the crash. Investigators are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance records and the condition of its components to determine whether any pre-existing issues with the airframe or engines may have contributed to the accident.

Conclusion:

The tragic crash of Saurya Airlines flight FER highlights the complexities and risks associated with aviation in challenging environments. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ200ER, suffered a fatal accident shortly after take-off, leading to the loss of 18 lives. The accident is under investigation, with key areas of focus including the aircraft’s mechanical condition, the reported low visibility at the time of take-off, and potential pilot or operational factors. The investigation will likely lead to recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences of similar accidents in Nepal’s mountainous terrain and challenging airport conditions.