Kathmandu, May 19 (H.S.) – A potential plane accident was averted in Nepal when a Summit Air flight, SMA303, experienced engine failure en route from Kathmandu to Lukla. The aircraft, which took off from Tribhuvan International Airport at 6:12 AM, had to return shortly after takeoff due to a malfunction.

The pilot promptly notified Kathmandu Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the issue, leading to a successful emergency landing just 10 minutes later. Tej Bahadur Paudel, an information officer at the airport, confirmed that lives were saved, including those of 19 passengers and three crew members. During the emergency, Kathmandu’s airport was temporarily closed, and operations of other flights were suspended for safety. Firefighters and ambulances were also stationed near the runway.

Summit Air issued a statement assuring that all passengers were safe and that their technical team is now addressing the engine malfunction. The incident highlights the importance of quick thinking in crisis situations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar