Yeti Airlines ATR-72 Crashes at Pokhara — 72 Dead, Nepal's Deadliest Aviation Disaster

What happened

A passenger plane crashed while landing at Pokhara airport, killing all 72 people on board including passengers from many countries. The crash was filmed by people nearby and was watched by millions around the world. It raised serious questions about whether Nepal's airports are safe.

Full Verified Record

On 15 January 2023, a Yeti Airlines ATR-72-500 aircraft (9N-ANC) crashed on approach to the newly opened Pokhara International Airport, killing all 72 people on board. The crash was captured live on video and spread globally. It was Nepal's deadliest aviation disaster. The accident commission report cited pilot error and improper response to aircraft configuration. The crash reignited debate about aviation safety standards, pilot training, and the authority of CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal).

जनवरी १५, २०२३ मा येती एयरलाइन्सको ATR-72 विमान पोखरा अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थलमा अवतरण गर्ने क्रममा दुर्घटनाग्रस्त भयो। ७२ जनाको मृत्यु भयो। यो नेपालको इतिहासमा सबैभन्दा ठूलो हवाई दुर्घटना हो।

Why it mattered

The Pokhara crash was Nepal's worst aviation disaster and became an international news story due to the live video footage. The EU's aviation safety ban on Nepali airlines was not lifted as a result. CAAN faced intense scrutiny, tourism confidence was shaken, and aviation safety reform became a national priority debate.

Policy areas affected

Sources cited

• 1.

  Reuters: Nepal plane crash kills 72 near Pokhara

  ReutersAccessed 2023-01-15
• 2.

  AAIB Nepal — Yeti Airlines crash investigation report

  Nepal AAIBAccessed 2023-09-01