Bombardier Dash 8 Crash at Kathmandu – March 12, 2018

On March 12, 2018, a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft, operated by US-Bangla Airlines, crashed while attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The aircraft was carrying 71 passengers and crew, and tragically, more than 50 people were killed.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash

The aircraft was on a scheduled flight from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to Kathmandu, with 67 passengers and 4 crew members onboard. While approaching Kathmandu’s only international airport, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the landing phase. Communication between the flight crew and air traffic control revealed confusion regarding the approach path, and the plane was observed to be on an unstable approach. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be veering off-course as it came in for landing.

At 14:20 local time, the aircraft crashed on the eastern edge of the runway and burst into flames. Emergency services responded immediately, but the post-impact fire severely hindered rescue efforts.

Investigation and Key Findings

The investigation into the crash was conducted by the Nepali authorities with assistance from international aviation bodies. The initial focus was on pilot error and miscommunication between the flight crew and air traffic control, which contributed to the confusion during the aircraft’s final approach. Several key factors were highlighted in the investigation:

1. Unstable Approach: The aircraft was observed flying an erratic pattern before landing. The flight crew seemed confused about whether to approach from the north or south, which led to an unstable final approach.

2. Communication Breakdown: The investigation found that there were critical communication issues between the flight crew and air traffic control. Recorded audio indicated confusion over which runway and approach path to use, exacerbating the already difficult landing conditions.

3. Crew Actions: The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed that there may have been a lack of coordination between the pilot and co-pilot during the approach phase. The captain, who had extensive experience, was reportedly under significant emotional stress during the flight, which may have impaired his decision-making abilities.

4. Weather Conditions: Weather conditions on the day of the crash were reported to be clear, so adverse weather was ruled out as a primary cause of the incident.

Aircraft Specifications and Performance

The Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for short-haul regional flights. It has a reputation for being a reliable aircraft, frequently used by airlines operating in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Its capacity to handle short runways and rough conditions made it a popular choice for flights into airports like Kathmandu, which is surrounded by mountainous terrain. However, the approach to Tribhuvan International Airport is notoriously difficult, requiring precision from the flight crew.

The aircraft involved in the crash had a good maintenance history and no known mechanical issues at the time of the accident. The focus of the investigation therefore centered on human factors, particularly the crew’s response during the critical final moments of the flight.

Lessons Learned

The tragic loss of life in this accident underscored the importance of proper communication between flight crews and air traffic control, especially during critical phases of flight like landing. Key takeaways from the investigation include:

1. Improved Communication Protocols: The crash highlighted the need for clearer communication protocols, particularly in challenging airports where approach paths can be confusing. Aviation authorities recommended improved training for both flight crews and air traffic controllers to handle such situations better in the future.

2. Mental Health and Stress Management for Pilots: The captain’s mental health at the time of the flight was a contributing factor in the crash. This raised awareness in the aviation community about the importance of mental health screenings and stress management programs for pilots. Ensuring that flight crew members are emotionally and mentally fit to handle the demands of their job is crucial for flight safety.

3. Flight Crew Coordination: Effective teamwork and coordination in the cockpit are essential for safe operations. In this case, the lack of proper coordination between the captain and co-pilot during a critical phase of the flight proved to be fatal. Enhanced cockpit resource management training (CRM) was recommended to improve communication and decision-making processes between flight crew members.

Conclusion

The US-Bangla Airlines Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 crash at Kathmandu in March 2018 was a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 50 people. The investigation pointed to a combination of pilot error, miscommunication with air traffic control, and stress-related factors as the leading causes of the accident.

This incident emphasized the importance of communication, mental health awareness, and cockpit resource management in ensuring the safety of air travel. Changes in procedures and training following the accident aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The aviation community continues to work towards enhancing safety measures, especially in complex and challenging operational environments like Kathmandu.