The Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 jet ‘9N-AME’ that crashed and slid into a ravine at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport in July was probably due to the pilot using incorrect takeoff weight information and inconsistent V-speeds, according to a preliminary investigation report released on Thursday.
The report, posted on the Tourism Ministry’s website, concluded that pilot error, along with negligence by the airline operator and civil aviation regulator, contributed to the July 24 crash, which killed 18 people. The pilot was the only survivor.
The report indicated that the CRJ 200 aircraft, registered as 9N-AME, experienced discrepancies in airspeed measurements and takeoff weight.
The pilot entered incorrect speeds and weight data into the flight computer, leading to an aerodynamic stall (a sudden loss of lift) that the pilots failed to correct.
“The V-speeds recorded in the flight plan and flight data recorder (FDR) didn’t match those in the quick reference handbook,” the report noted.
The quick reference handbook, located in the cockpit, contains procedures for handling emergencies and abnormal situations.
Additionally, the report mentioned that the operator’s speed card for an 18,500 kg takeoff weight listed incorrect V-speeds.
“This suggests the V-speeds—crucial airspeeds for various flight phases—were set without proper calculation of the aircraft’s takeoff weight,” explained a CRJ 200 engineer, who requested anonymity.
An aircraft’s weight determines the necessary speeds for takeoff, with heavier aircraft requiring higher speeds for safe liftoff.
The three V-speeds include:
- V1: The maximum speed during the takeoff roll where the pilot must decide whether to continue or abort the takeoff. If an engine fails before V1, the takeoff can be safely aborted.
- VR: Rotation speed, at which the pilot pulls the nose up to lift off.
- V2: The minimum speed that ensures a safe climb after takeoff in case of an engine failure.
According to the report, the crash site investigation and interviews with Saurya Airlines ground personnel revealed that the airline did not comply with regulations on load weighing and securing, as outlined in its operations manual.
In contrast, procedures in ATR-type aircraft ensure proper load balance by seating passengers in the front rows first, followed by the tail section, and placing cargo accordingly. These practices were not observed in jet-type planes like the CRJ 200, where weight calculations were reportedly overlooked.
The Saurya Airlines flight, en route to Pokhara International Airport for maintenance, was inadequately monitored by civil aviation authorities, the report stated.
The aircraft crashed approximately 130 feet within four seconds, causing blunt force trauma and burn injuries to the passengers. The plane’s right wing struck the ground after banking right and left during the failed takeoff attempt.
Fire response arrived 1 minute and 40 seconds after the crash, but the first fire truck was the only one to begin firefighting immediately.
The report highlighted that the plane had been grounded for 34 days before the flight, with maintenance checks completed the morning of the accident. The load and trim sheet indicated a takeoff weight of 18,132 kg, including 600 kg of baggage and 2,000 kg of fuel, but the review of this information is still ongoing.
Initial analysis of the flight data recorder found no engine malfunctions, and weather conditions were normal.
The investigation commission issued three interim safety recommendations: reviewing speed cards and weight charts, ensuring compliance with cargo and baggage handling protocols, and updating non-scheduled flight permissions, including for ferry flights.
