Nepal Airlines B757 and Simrik Airlines B1900C Avoided Fatal Mid Air Collision
It has been revealed that Nepal Airlines Boeing 757 and Simrik Airlines Beechcraft 1900C avoided fatal mid-air collision on September 4,2015. Both aircraft had come so close to each other that they have violated 1000 feet separation rule.
The B757 of Nepal Airlines was returning from Doha, Qatar to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) whereas Simrik Airlines B1900C was returning to TIA from Bhairahawa. This incident had taken place over Bharatpur airspace.
It has been reported that Pilot In Command (PIC) of B757 ignored the Air Traffic Controller’s request to descend from the flight level 125 (12,500 feet ) whereas B1900 was preparing to descend from the flight level 135 (13,500 feet) over Bharatpur Airspace. Fortunately, when both aircraft approached close to each other, PIC of B1900C raised their aircraft’s nose while B757 PIC lowered their aircraft’s nose.
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has grounded 4 pilots of B757 and B1900C along with 3 ATC’s indulged in this incident on Tuesday for further investigation. Investigation is being carried out by a committee led by Chief of CAAN’s Department of Air Navigation Services Mrs. Shobha Shrestha inclusive of Capt. Deepak Kumar Lama and CAAN’s manager Mr. Subash Jha.
Source: Thehimalayantimes
