What Happened When a Buddha Air Turboprop Veered Off the Runway?
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Synopsis
On January 3, a Buddha Air turboprop aircraft veered off the runway during landing at Bhadrapur Airport, sparking emergency responses. Thankfully, all 55 individuals on board were safely evacuated. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety in Nepal, especially with turboprop operations in challenging conditions.
Key Takeaways
- All 55 individuals on board were safely evacuated.
- Emergency responders acted swiftly to secure the scene.
- Investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
- This incident emphasizes the importance of aviation safety in Nepal.
- Previous incidents highlight the need for rigorous safety measures.
Kathmandu, Jan 3 (NationPress) A turboprop passenger plane operated by Buddha Air veered off the runway during its landing approach at Bhadrapur Airport in Nepal's Jhapa district on Saturday, triggering an urgent emergency response.
The airline confirmed the safety of all 51 passengers along with four crew members aboard. The flight was on a domestic route from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft faced challenges while landing and skidded off the runway. This flight, noted as Flight No. 9N-AMF, is categorized as an ATR 72-500 turboprop, commonly used for short-distance flights within Nepal.
Nepal Police acknowledged the incident via a post on X, stating, “On the date of 2082.09.18, the Buddha Air flight that departed from Kathmandu with 51 passengers and four crew members encountered an accident during landing at Bhadrapur Airport. All individuals have been safely rescued by Nepal Police and relevant authorities.”
Buddha Air also released an official statement on X, expressing concern regarding the incident and extending gratitude to emergency responders. The airline stated, “Update: Regarding Flight Number 901. We are profoundly concerned about the incident where the aircraft that departed from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur yesterday veered off the runway. We sincerely thank the Nepal Police, Nepali Army, Civil Aviation Authority, and our dedicated staff for their relentless efforts during the rescue operations.”
In further details, the airline noted, “Among the 51 passengers onboard, those who suffered minor injuries have received primary treatment and have returned home safely. We assure our complete cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority for a thorough investigation of this event.”
Emergency teams, including personnel from the Nepali Army, airport authorities, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), were quickly dispatched to the scene to evacuate passengers and secure the aircraft. Although the runway incident temporarily disrupted operations at the airport, authorities have reported a return to normalcy following safety inspections.
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the precise cause of the incident, focusing on aspects such as weather conditions, runway surface, and aircraft performance.
This incident has once again highlighted the importance of aviation safety in Nepal, particularly concerning turboprop aircraft that operate in challenging environments and weather conditions.
Earlier in January 2023, an ATR 72 aircraft operated by Yeti Airlines tragically crashed while landing at Pokhara, resulting in the loss of all 68 lives aboard. Subsequent investigations revealed that the aircraft lost thrust after the pilot mistakenly feathered the engines just prior to the crash.
Officials have emphasized that the Bhadrapur incident had a significantly better outcome due to prompt responses and favorable conditions, as the investigation into Saturday's runway excursion continues.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the swift action taken by emergency responders during the recent runway excursion of a Buddha Air flight. With all passengers safe, the focus now shifts to a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. Such events remind us of the critical nature of aviation safety in Nepal, a country with challenging terrains.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Buddha Air turboprop incident?
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on factors such as weather conditions, runway surface, and aircraft performance.
Were there any injuries reported?
Yes, some passengers sustained minor injuries but have received treatment and returned home safely.
What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft involved was an ATR 72-500 turboprop, commonly used for short-haul flights.
How did authorities respond to the incident?
Emergency teams, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, were promptly dispatched to evacuate passengers and secure the aircraft.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in Nepal, especially with turboprop aircraft in challenging environments.
