Deadly plane crashes are quite common in Nepal, most recently Yeti Airlines where all passengers died. At least since 2010 until now, there have been 12 plane crashes in the country.
Quoted from The Federal, here are 7 reasons why plane crashes often occur in Nepal.
Difficult terrain
Nepal has a tough environment for pilots, with super high mountains and narrow valleys. The world's highest mountain, Everest, is in Nepal which rises 8.8 kilometers. The Himalayas, which run through Nepal, also pose significant challenges for pilots.
Mountains can cause severe turbulence, high winds and poor visibility, making flying conditions extremely hazardous. In addition, many airports in Nepal are in remote areas, which can be difficult for rescue teams.
Lack of modern technology
Many airports in Nepal are not yet equipped with the latest technology and the latest infrastructure to support safe flights. The country has only one international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), and several domestic airports.
Most still require sophisticated navigation and communication systems, and the lack of that infrastructure makes flying difficult and dangerous.
Airports in Nepal also still need additional lighting and adequate runway markings.
The planes are not well maintained
Many of the aircraft used in Nepal are old and not well maintained. Thus, there is always the danger of mechanical damage and other problems. Most of the aircraft operated by domestic airlines are old or have been in operation for a long time.
Doing so could increase the risk of an accident as the aircraft may not survive the challenging flying conditions of Nepal. Many domestic airlines in Nepal need more resources or expertise to properly maintain their aircraft.
Inadequate regulation
The aviation industry in Nepal needs to be better regulated. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is responsible for regulating the aviation industry, but has been criticized for a lack of oversight and poor enforcement of safety standards. There have been reports that domestic airlines in Nepal are operating without the necessary licenses and permits.
Pilot error
Pilots in Nepal often have limited training and experience, which can increase the risk of human error. Many domestic airlines in Nepal need more resources to provide pilots with adequate training and experience. Some domestic airlines in Nepal employ pilots from other countries and their potential unfamiliarity with the terrain can result in poor risk assessment.
Bad weather lurking
Nepal has a heavy rainy season which can cause poor visibility and high winds, making flying conditions more difficult. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can make flying conditions very hazardous during the rainy season, usually from June to September. The weather in Nepal can change quickly and unpredictably, making it difficult for pilots to navigate.
Air traffic control
Nepal's air traffic control system needs to be improved and better equipped. Nepal's air traffic control system is reportedly less sophisticated than that of other countries, and this has the potential to cause problems.