Sita Air Plane Incident at Juphal Airport in Nepal
Incident Overview
File image of Sita Air craft met with a runway mishap at Juphal Airport in Dolpa, Nepal(Photo: IANS)
Kathmandu, Sep 24: A Sita Air aircraft encountered a mishap at Juphal Airport located in the Dolpa district of western Nepal on Thursday when its right rear tire detached during landing, as reported by a senior police official.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Raj Giri, who heads the District Police Office in Dolpa, stated, “The aircraft, which was carrying 16 individuals, including 13 passengers and three crew members, lost its right rear tire at approximately 8:25 a.m. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members are unharmed.”
Among the passengers were seven foreign nationals from countries such as France, Germany, and Belgium, along with six Nepali citizens.
Following the incident, a video surfaced on social media depicting the aircraft's rear tire rolling down a slope after detaching.
The flight had previously departed from Nepalgunj Airport in southwestern Nepal, en route to Juphal Airport.
Dolpa is recognized as one of Nepal's remote districts, where air travel is crucial for accessing various areas. Authorities noted that the aircraft remains on the runway at the airport following the incident.
“Appropriate measures will be taken regarding the aircraft once a technical team arrives to assess its condition,” Giri added.
Nepal's challenging mountainous landscape has led to numerous air accidents in recent years, raising ongoing concerns about the safety of its aviation sector.
The tragic Saurya Airlines crash in Kathmandu on July 24, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 18 out of 19 individuals on board, highlighted significant deficiencies in aircraft operations, flight preparations, cargo handling, and regulatory oversight, prompting broader discussions about aviation safety standards in Nepal.
Since 2013, the European Union has included Nepal on its aviation safety list, which restricts Nepali airlines from operating within EU airspace.
Currently, an investigation into this incident is in progress, with further updates expected soon.