Yeti Airlines Tragedy: Pilots’ Mistake Cited in Nepal’s Worst Crash in 30 Years

Kathmandu: The plane crash in Nepal that claimed 72 lives, including two infants, was likely caused by the pilots inadvertently cutting the power, according to a report by government-appointed investigators.

The Yeti Airlines flight, operating an ATR 72 from Kathmandu to Pokhara on January 15, experienced a loss of thrust leading to an aerodynamic stall. Investigators found that the pilots unintentionally placed the condition levers in the feathering position instead of selecting the flap lever, causing the engines to run idle.

The report cited a lack of appropriate training, high workload and stress, and non-compliance with standard operating procedures as contributing factors. The crash is Nepal’s deadliest in 30 years.