On February 12 2024, a scheduled passenger flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara crashed in the mountains of central Nepal. Rescue crews confirmed that multiple people died in this crash, which triggered a large emergency response in difficult terrain.
Aviation officials and local authorities worked together to locate wreckage, identify victims, and clarify how many people died in the incident, as initial reports varied in different media channels.
| Flight | Route | Date | Fatalities | Survivors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeti Airlines Flight 691 | Kathmandu → Pokhara | 12 February 2024 | 72 | 0 |
| Tara Air Twin Otter | Bhairahawa → Pokhara | 6 February 2019 | 23 | 1 |
| Buddha Air Beechcraft | Lukla → Kathmandu | 25 September 2011 | 19 | 0 |
| Yeti Airlines DHC-6 | Kathmandu → Tumlingtar | 8 October 2008 | 18 | 4 |
Flight 691 Accident Details
Aircraft Type and Occupancy
Yeti Airlines Flight 691 was operated with an ATR 72-500, a regional turboprop typically configured for up to 68 passengers plus crew. The aircraft departed on a short domestic hop with a full load of travelers and three crew members.
Descent and Impact Sequence
During the approach to Pokhara, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly and struck a hill near the airport perimeter. Flight tracking data and cockpit voice recordings helped investigators piece together the sequence of actions that led to the accident.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Search and Evacuation Efforts
Rescue teams, including army helicopters and local volunteers, reached the steep site under poor weather conditions. They had to cut through dense forest and rugged slopes while managing risks from fuel leaks and unstable ground.
Identification and Notification
Bodies were transported to Pokhara for forensic work and formal identification, enabling officials to notify next of kin. Coordination with foreign consulates and civil aviation authorities ensured that international passengers were recognized and families supported.
Aviation Safety Investigations
Regulatory Findings
Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority published a detailed report on Flight 691, citing loss of situational awareness, unstable approach parameters, and late go-around decision as key factors. The investigation recommended stricter monitoring of approach procedures and enhanced pilot training on terrain awareness.
Global Industry Implications
International regulators reviewed similar aircraft types and approach charts at mountainous airports, leading to updated guidance for regional turboprop operations. Manufacturers and airlines collaborated on simulator sessions to reinforce best practices during non-precision approaches.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Verify passenger and crew counts through official accident reports before drawing conclusions.
- Study investigation findings to understand how approach procedures and decision-making affect safety in mountainous terrain.
- Support families and communities affected by aviation tragedies through coordinated victim identification and mental health resources.
- Encourage continuous training, simulator sessions, and technology upgrades to reduce repeat risks in regional aviation.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many people died in the Yeti Airlines crash on 12 February 2024?
All 72 people on board Yeti Airlines Flight 691 died in the crash, including 68 passengers and 3 crew members.
Were there any survivors in the Pokhara plane crash?
No, there were no survivors in the Yeti Airlines Flight 691 accident at Pokhara on 12 February 2024.
What caused the Nepal plane crash in 2024?
The accident was attributed to an unstabilized approach, late go-around, and loss of situational awareness during the descent into Pokhara in poor weather.
Have authorities improved safety procedures after this crash?
Yes, regulators introduced stricter approach monitoring, additional pilot training, and updated terrain awareness guidance for mountainous airports.