Captain Ranesh Dangol of Simrik Air is being prepared for action by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). After a helicopter flight regulation violation, CAAN has prepared him for the action.
Technical officials of CAAN have observed serious violations by Captain Dangol during his flight. He had approached the helicopter from wrong direction to Kathmandu from Lukla on April 30. Due to this, the helicopter narrowly avoided a collision with Qatar Airways’ aircraft.
According to the technical officials at Tribhuvan International Airport, when Captain Dangol made approach from the South to Kathmandu while it should have approached from Sanga or Nalinchwok at East, the distance between the two aircraft was very less than the minimum i.e 200 feet vertically.
While the Qatar Airways had passengers airborne from Doha, the helicopter also had five passengers. However, an accident was averted due to the vigilance of the Qatar Airways’ pilot and after getting alert from the TCAS – Traffic Collision Avoidance System on board the aircraft.
According to information officer Gyanendra Bhul, Captain Dangol has been found to be at risk during his flight, so preparations are being made to take action against him. According to him, Dangol has been recommended for grounding for three to six months.
“It is a matter of great concern that the aircraft and helicopter to come so close inside the controlled airspace. Captain Dangol is found guilty, so action is recommended. The decision on how many months of grounding will be decided by the Director General,” Bhul said.
Simrik Air has also conducted an investigation into this matter and submitted a report to CAAN. CAAN is also studying this report.
This is not the first time Captain Dangol has been involved in a flight violation. He has previously been involved in flight violations for which CAAN has taken action against him.
