Aircraft crash investigation commission formed, report due within 45 days

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to form an aircraft accident investigation commission to investigate the recent mishap involving Surya Airlines.

According to the spokesperson and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, the decision was made during today’s Cabinet meeting.

The commission, comprising five members, has been mandated to submit a report within 45 days.

Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), will lead the five-member commission.

The commission includes Captain Dipu Jwarchan from Nepal Airlines Corporation, Professor Sudip Bhattarai from Pulchowk Campus, and Sanjay Adhikari from Shree Airlines.

Mukesh Dangol, Air Traffic Control Officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, will serve as the Secretary.

The incident occurred when Surya Airlines flight 9N-AMJ/CRJ200 veered off runway 02 at Pokhara while preparing for takeoff to Kathmandu.

The runway excursion occurred towards runway 20.

The crash resulted in the death of 18 out of 19 passengers on board.

The pilot of the aircraft, Manish Ratna Shakya, reportedly survived and is undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Medical College.