Kathmandu: An official investigation into the deadly 2024 Nepal plane crash has revealed that a critical error in the aircraft’s speed reference card was the main factor behind the tragic incident. The crash, involving a Saurya Airlines CRJ-200LR jet, killed 18 people, with only the captain surviving. The findings were released on Friday by a government-appointed panel that spent nearly a year analyzing the data and sequence of events.
According to the final report, the aircraft experienced a deep stall shortly after takeoff from Nepalgunj airport in July 2024. The stall was caused by the plane pitching up too quickly at a rotation speed lower than the required minimum. This hazardous maneuver led to a loss of lift and control, causing the jet to crash before it could safely climb.
The pitch-up occurred because the speed reference card used by pilots to calculate safe takeoff and climb speeds contained incorrect data. The panel confirmed that the rotation speed listed was too low, misleading the flight crew during the most critical phase of flight.
The report highlights that Saurya Airlines had previously experienced incidents of excessive pitch during takeoff, but failed to correct the speed data across its fleet. This negligence, according to investigators, reflects a deeper flaw in the airline’s safety culture and regulatory compliance. “There was a complete breakdown in oversight and corrective action,” the panel concluded.
Additionally, investigators found that cargo and baggage loading procedures were poorly enforced, further destabilizing the aircraft’s balance and safety margin.
The panel has made a series of recommendations to avoid similar tragedies in the future. Chief among them is a mandatory review of all aircraft speed cards by Nepalese operators, especially those engaged in non-scheduled charter flights. It also called for tighter regulations by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) regarding flight permits and safety audits.
Nepal, a country already under scrutiny for aviation safety lapses, has faced bans from the European Union since 2013 due to repeated air disasters. The 2024 Saurya crash has reignited these concerns, placing renewed pressure on both regulators and private airlines to prioritize safety reforms.
In a statement released following the report, Saurya Airlines acknowledged the findings and promised to implement all recommended changes, including improved maintenance documentation, stricter training procedures, and enhanced safety checks. The airline has also pledged to cooperate fully with CAAN to rebuild public trust.
As Nepal grapples with challenging flying conditions due to its mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, aviation experts say that only strict adherence to international safety standards can prevent future tragedies. The crash is a stark reminder that even small errors like incorrect speed data can have catastrophic consequences when not addressed promptly.