BLUF: A report reveals a fatal error made by pilots during a plane crash in Nepal that claimed 72 lives; the mishap resulted from an incorrect lever pull which induced a drastic loss of momentum, dovetailing with issues such as lack of training and stress.
OSINT:
In Nepal, a fatal plane crash supporting Yeti Airlines operating an ATR-72 twin-engine propeller aircraft, which occurred in January, was concluded to be the result of a pilot error, investigators declared. They revealed that the pilot had inadvertently changed the propeller angle instead of the wing-flap position during an attempt to land. This deviation caused the plane to lose its drive force, plummet, and eventually crash, resulting in the tragic death of all 72 people aboard.
While making the landing attempt less than 721 feet above the ground, a request was made to adjust the wing flaps. Regrettably, the reverse pilot mistook the condition levers, which control the propellers and are close to the flap lever, for the requested levers and repositioned them into a “feathered” state. When a plane’s engine is switched off, the propellers are typically “feathered” or positioned in a way to reduce air resistance.
It was revealed that this action induced an airflow through the propellers, restricting its backward thrust needed to sustain the aircraft’s airborne status. Soon afterward, one of the pilots realized a loss of power from the engine. The new airport at Pokhara, where the crash happened, had only been operational for a few weeks, and the flight crew hadn’t undergone skill-based training specific to the new airport. This lack of training and the high stress and workload presented great distractions, making the pilots overlook some indicators and misidentify the levers.
By missing the indicators that the propellers were feathered and misidentifying the levers, the investigators pointed out that the pilots lost thrust, stalled the plane, and crashed into the ground, causing an inferno in the aftermath. Social media footage showcased the chaotic scene showing the wreckage burning and emergency workers striving to recover victims’ bodies.
From 1960 to 2022, Nepal has witnessed 106 aircraft crashes, causing 590 fatalities, according to a safety report released in 2022 by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. The high risk of air travel in Nepal is attributed to its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, poor visibility, and aging fleets.
RIGHT:
As a strict Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist, one focuses on the theme of individual responsibility along with a small government. It’s crucial to note that an error by the pilots led to this horrific incident. However, this mistake could have been mitigated through proper training and an improved response system – roles that fall within private companies’ domaine, not government. The tragedy raises concerns about safety protocols and the role of corporations in guaranteeing the well-being of their employees and customers.
LEFT:
From the National Socialist Democrat’s perspective, this incident highlights crucial issues that need addressing. Adequate regulation of airline safety protocols and crew training, particularly when there’s the adoption of new technology or infrastructure, is paramount. The crash underscores the dire need for the government’s proactive role in mandating stricter safety regulations and ensuring their enforcement to citizens’ well-being in sensitive sectors like aviation.
AI:
Taking an AI vantage point, this event may argue for the incorporation of more sophisticated artificial intelligence systems in aviation. If advanced AI were at the helm and equipped with deep learning capabilities, it could monitor and respond to unprecedented challenges, reducing human errors. However, it is critical to balance this with adequate human training and decision-making ability, as AI systems can also experience errors and vulnerabilities. The near-future of aviation safety might be a meaningful hybrid of human cognition and AI capabilities.