A turboprop passenger aircraft belonging to Nepal-based Buddha Air ran off the runway today during its landing at Bhadrapur Airport in the eastern part of the country. In a statement issued by the airline, it was reported that all 51 passengers and four crew members on board the aircraft were safe.
It was stated that flight 9N-AMF was operated from the capital Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and was recorded in flight tracking systems as an ATR 72-500 turboprop passenger aircraft. Following the incident, it was announced that technical and assistance teams were dispatched to the region from Kathmandu.
According to information provided by the airline, the aircraft veered off the runway during landing and came to a stop near a stream, at an elevation of approximately 200 metres above ground level. It was stated that the aircraft sustained minor damage, but no injuries were reported.
Safety Concerns in Nepal Aviation
The incident has once again brought the safety record of Nepal’s aviation sector into the spotlight. Accidents in recent years have increased concerns regarding civil aviation safety in the country.
In July 2024, a Bombardier CRJ200LR aircraft belonging to Saurya Airlines crashed shortly after taking off from Kathmandu; 18 of the 19 people on board lost their lives.
In January 2023, an ATR 72 aircraft operated by Yeti Airlines crashed during its landing approach to Pokhara, killing all 68 passengers and four crew members on board. It was later announced that the accident was caused by the pilot mistakenly shutting down the engines.
An investigation into the Buddha Air incident is expected to be launched by Nepal’s civil aviation authorities.
