US‑Bangla Jet Crash at Kathmandu: Flight Recorder in the Recovery Kit
What Actually Happened
On Monday afternoon, a Bombardier Q‑400 from US‑Bangla Airlines tried to land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu but unfortunately ended up crashing on the runway. The aircraft—carrying 71 passengers and crew—was heading from Dhaka. The mishap claims at least 49 lives, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in Nepal since the 1992 PIA crash that killed 167.
Reactions and Blame Game
Both the airline and airport authorities have been quick to point fingers at each other. While the airline insists on operational factors, the airport pushes back with questions about runway conditions and safety protocols. The tension has escalated into a full-blown crisis discussion among officials.
Steps Toward Answers
- The flight data recorder (black box) has been successfully retrieved from the wreckage.
- Airport General Manager Raj Kumar Chettri confirmed the safe storage of the recorder and the start of a thorough investigation.
- Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, has dispatched an air‑safety investigator and a field service rep to help untangle the mystery.
Why This Matters
Understanding the cause of the crash is essential not only for the families affected but also for improving aviation safety in the Himalayan region. With each recovered data point, investigators can piece together the timeline of events, from take‑off to the tragic touchdown.
Looking Ahead
While the investigation is still in its early stages, the cooperation from the airline, the airport, and the aircraft manufacturer signals a unified effort to bring clarity. With respectful accountability, the goal is to prevent such tragedies in the future, and to honor those who’ve lost everything in the hard landing.
