Initial findings of crashed Yeti Airlines ATR 72-500: Feathered propellers caused the accident

Kathmandu: The commission formed to investigate Yeti Airlines plane crash in Pokhara has found that a problem with the engine was the cause of the tragedy on January 15.

After analyzing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, it is found that the feathering of both propellers during the landing was the main cause of the accident, the statement by the commission reads. 

[Update: The last minute conversation between pilot and co-pilot of crashed ATR 72-212A aircraft: ‘There is no power from the engines’ (With report)]

The commission, however, has not yet to identify why the propellers of both engines transitioned to the feather position.

The preliminary findings were made public after analysis of technical and human factors by the commission with support from representatives of TSIB Singapore, BEA France, TSB Canada, P & W Canada, and EASA, according to the press release by the commission. 

The inquiry commission had received support from Singapore-based Transport Safety Investigation Bureau for the analysis. 

Following the crash of ATR 72-500 aircraft belonging to Yeti Airlines on 15 January, Nepal government had formed a five-member investigation commission to find out the truth and facts about the crash.

The commission is mandated to submit a report along with suggestions for preventing occurrence of such accidents in the coming days.

Former Secretary Nagendra Ghimire is the convenor of the Commission. The members of the commission include retired Major General Deepak Prakash Bastola, captain Sunil Thapa and aircraft repair engineer Ekraj Jung Thapa. Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane is the member-secretary of the commission.