Investigation Summary
The flight originated from Nepalgunj with an intermediate stop at Surkhet, carrying six passengers and 941 kg of cargo. Upon reaching Jumla, the crew received weather information and was assigned runway 27. However, the captain decided to use runway 09. The aircraft arrived on final approach for runway 09 with excessive speed, prompting the captain to initiate a missed approach without notifying the tower. While executing the go-around, the captain flew to the right of the control tower toward rising terrain. To avoid the hill and quickly return to land on runway 27 (partly to clear the way for a trailing Sita Air aircraft), the pilot performed a sharp left turn with a high bank angle. This maneuver caused a significant loss of airspeed and altitude, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The aircraft struck a paddy field, bounced, cartwheeled, and came to rest 180 degrees from its direction of travel before being consumed by fire.
Final Conclusions
The Commission of Inquiry concluded the probable cause was the crew's attempt to perform a sudden go-around and tight circuit at a very low altitude with an excessive bank angle, leading to a stall. Contributory factors included the breakdown of cockpit discipline, violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and inadequate oversight by both Yeti Airlines management and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Aerodynamic Wing
The high bank angle during the low-altitude turn increased the load factor and stall speed, leading to a loss of lift.
Cockpit Discipline
Investigators cited a breakdown in CRM and SOP compliance as a primary factor in the unstable approach and subsequent crash.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was carrying 941 kg of cargo, including food grains.
- 02The total takeoff weight was 12,499 lb, including 1,400 lb of fuel.
- 03The captain coordinated his intention to switch runways with a trailing Sita Air aircraft (9N-AHR) rather than the tower.
- 04The aircraft hit a terrace and cartwheeled after the initial impact in a paddy field.
- 05Co-pilot Dipak Pokhrel's wife, Anju Khatiwada, later became a pilot and died in the crash of Yeti Airlines Flight 691 in 2023.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Management Oversight
The report recommended that Yeti Airlines improve monitoring of its flight training programs and line operations.
Regulatory Supervision
The Commission identified a need for more rigorous oversight of airline operations by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).