In-depth Analysis of Airplane Crashes in Nepal: Unveiling the Hidden Causes

 Nepal has recently experienced significant aviation tragedies, including the crashes of Yeti Airlines Flight ATR 72 (Flight No 691) on January 15, 2023, and Tara Air Twin Otter on May 30, 2022. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) typically attributes these crashes to poor weather conditions or technical issues, closing the cases without publicizing detailed investigation reports. However, a closer examination reveals deeper, often unreported issues contributing to these accidents. This comprehensive analysis will delve into these hidden causes and propose solutions to improve aviation safety in Nepal.

1. CAAN Audit Issues

The CAAN conducts audits to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft. However, several critical issues are often overlooked during these audits:

a. Expired Consumables and Parts

• Consumables and Parts: Consumables, such as oils, lubricants, and filters, are essential for the smooth functioning of aircraft systems. Over time, these items degrade and lose their effectiveness. For example, hydraulic fluids can break down chemically, leading to reduced hydraulic system performance, which is crucial for controlling the aircraft's flight surfaces.
• Impact on Performance: Using expired consumables can cause various problems, including increased friction, overheating, and failure of critical systems. For instance, expired lubricants can result in increased wear and tear on engine components, potentially leading to engine failure mid-flight.

b. Expendable and Rotable Items

• Expendable Items: These include parts that are regularly replaced, such as tires, brake pads, and batteries. If these items are used beyond their recommended lifespan, they can fail during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff or landing. For example, worn-out brake pads can lead to inadequate braking performance, making it difficult to stop the aircraft on the runway.
• Rotable Items: These parts can be refurbished and reused, including engines, landing gear, and avionics systems. Proper maintenance and inspection of these components are crucial for safe operation. If not maintained correctly, rotable items can become unreliable, leading to potential mechanical failures. For example, improperly maintained landing gear can fail to deploy correctly, causing a dangerous landing situation.

2. Use of Retired Aircraft

Many private airlines in Nepal operate with second-hand planes that have reached the end of their economic life in other countries. These planes are then refurbished and put into service in Nepal, often operating beyond their intended lifespan.

a. Examples of Retired Aircraft

• Kingfisher Airlines: Several planes from this defunct Indian airline are now operating in Nepal. These aircraft were retired due to economic inefficiencies and high maintenance costs, raising concerns about their reliability in Nepal's challenging flying conditions.
• Deccan Charter: Another source of second-hand aircraft, which often have high usage hours and may require significant maintenance to remain airworthy.
• Singapore Imports: Some airlines have imported older planes from Singapore, which have also reached the end of their economic life.

b. Economic Lifespan and Refurbishment

• Economic Lifespan: Aircraft have a designed economic life, typically measured in flight hours and cycles (takeoffs and landings). Beyond this lifespan, the cost of maintenance increases significantly, and the reliability of the aircraft decreases.
• Refurbishment Issues: When these planes are overhauled for use in Nepal, the refurbishment processes may not always meet stringent international standards. Non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components might be used, or maintenance might be carried out without the necessary expertise. For example, using non-OEM parts can lead to compatibility issues, affecting the performance and safety of the aircraft.

3. Unauthorized Aircraft Modifications

To maximize revenue, Nepalese airlines frequently modify aircraft to increase passenger capacity, often ignoring the original manufacturer’s specifications.

a. Example of Modifications

• ATR 42 Capacity: This aircraft is designed to carry 42 passengers. However, modifications approved by CAAN have allowed some of these planes to carry up to 47 passengers. These modifications often involve altering the seating layout and possibly compromising the aircraft's weight and balance distribution.

b. Safety Implications

• Weight and Balance: Increasing passenger capacity affects the aircraft's weight and balance, critical factors for safe flight. Improper weight distribution can lead to issues such as difficulty controlling the aircraft, increased stall speeds, and decreased stability, especially during takeoff and landing.
• Structural Integrity: Modifications can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft. For example, adding extra seats may require removing or relocating structural components, potentially weakening the aircraft's airframe. This can lead to increased stress on the aircraft during flight, raising the risk of structural failure.

4. Negligence by Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are crucial for ensuring aviation safety. They help manage air traffic, communicate with pilots, and provide guidance for safe navigation. However, negligence or errors by ATCs, who are overseen by CAAN, can result in severe accidents.

a. Role of ATCs

• Separation of Aircraft: ATCs ensure that aircraft maintain safe distances from each other, preventing mid-air collisions. They use radar and other tracking systems to monitor the position and speed of aircraft.
• Flight Guidance: They provide pilots with headings and altitudes to navigate through congested airspace, helping to avoid obstacles and other aircraft. ATCs also issue instructions for takeoff, landing, and navigating around hazardous weather conditions.

b. Consequences of Negligence

• Communication Errors: Miscommunication or delayed communication can lead to confusion, especially in adverse weather conditions or during emergency situations. For example, a delayed instruction to change altitude to avoid another aircraft can result in a near-miss or collision.
• Navigation Errors: Incorrect instructions can result in aircraft straying into dangerous areas, such as mountainous terrain, which is abundant in Nepal. For instance, directing an aircraft to descend prematurely in mountainous regions can result in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents.

The Role of Pilots

Despite systemic issues, pilot errors also contribute significantly to aviation accidents. Pilots are responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft, including takeoff, navigation, and landing.

a. Pilot Responsibilities

• Takeoff and Landing: These are the most critical phases of flight, requiring precise control and decision-making. Pilots must ensure that the aircraft is properly configured for takeoff and landing, considering factors such as weight, balance, and runway length.
• Mechanical Problems: Pilots must respond effectively to any mechanical issues that arise during flight. This includes diagnosing problems, following emergency procedures, and communicating with ATC and maintenance personnel.
• Weather Navigation: Pilots must navigate through adverse weather conditions, which are common in Nepal, especially in mountainous regions. This requires a thorough understanding of weather patterns, terrain, and the aircraft's capabilities.

b. Need for Skilled Pilots

• Training and Experience: Nepal needs more skilled pilots who are well-trained to handle the challenging flying conditions in the region. This includes training in mountain flying, handling adverse weather, and emergency procedures.
• Continuous Education: Pilots should undergo continuous education and training to stay updated with the latest aviation safety practices and technologies. This includes simulator training, recurrent training programs, and participation in safety workshops and seminars.

The Need for Reforms

To restore public trust and enhance aviation safety, Nepal requires:

a. Enhanced Training and Resources

• Pilot and Crew Training: Comprehensive training programs for pilots and cabin crews to handle the unique challenges of flying in Nepal. This includes training in mountain flying, handling adverse weather, and emergency procedures.
• ATC Training: Improved training for air traffic controllers to reduce the risk of errors and negligence. This includes advanced training in radar and communication systems, emergency procedures, and human factors in air traffic control.

b. Stricter Policies and Monitoring

• Regulatory Oversight: CAAN needs to implement stricter policies and conduct rigorous inspections to ensure compliance with international safety standards. This includes regular audits, surprise inspections, and strict enforcement of regulations.
• Transparency: Making investigation reports public can help identify recurring issues and foster a culture of accountability. Transparency in the investigation process can also help build public trust and encourage industry stakeholders to take proactive measures to improve safety.

c. Better Aircraft Maintenance

• Standardized Maintenance: Ensuring that all maintenance and refurbishment meet international standards. This includes adhering to OEM guidelines, using approved parts and materials, and following established maintenance procedures.
• Use of OEM Parts: Encouraging the use of original equipment manufacturer parts to maintain aircraft integrity. This includes sourcing parts from reputable suppliers, verifying the authenticity of parts, and maintaining proper documentation for all maintenance activities.

Conclusion

Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for improving aviation safety in Nepal. Enhanced training, better regulation, and transparency from CAAN are vital to prevent future tragedies. By focusing on these areas, Nepal can work towards a safer aviation environment, restoring public trust and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Implementing these reforms will require the collaboration of all stakeholders, including airlines, regulatory authorities, and the government, to create a culture of safety and accountability in the aviation industry.