Thai Airways Flight 311 Collides with Mountain
July 31st, 1992
July 31st, 1992

How Long Ago?
32 years, 7 months, 15 days ago
Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Thai Airways Flight 311 Collides with Mountain
Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashed while approaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing all 113 people on board. The aircraft, a Boeing 767, encountered severe weather conditions and attempted to land in challenging terrain. The crash occurred just four miles from the airport, attributed to poor visibility and pilot error during the crucial final approach phase.
94 passengers and 14 crew members lost their lives.
Flight was en route from Bangkok to Kathmandu.
Crash occurred due to poor visibility and pilot error.
Raising awareness about aviation safety in mountains.
What Happened?
Thai Airways International Flight 311 was a scheduled service from Bangkok, Thailand to Kathmandu, Nepal, which tragically ended in disaster. On its final approach to Tribhuvan International Airport, the flight encountered the challenging mountain terrain of the Himalayas coupled with adverse weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy rain. The Boeing 767 aircraft was carrying 99 passengers and 14 crew members. As it attempted to land in the difficult mountainous region, the flight deviated from its approach path, ultimately crashing into a mountain located just four miles from the airport. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact, resulting in the death of all individuals on board.
Investigations following the disaster revealed that the crew had not adequately prepared for the specific challenges posed by the airport's location. The steep mountains surrounding Kathmandu require pilots to possess unique skills and insights into the weather conditions. Safety improvements in procedures and aircraft requirements were among the recommendations made after the investigation was concluded. This incident raised significant concerns regarding airline safety in Nepal, a country known for its challenging flying conditions due to its topography.
The grounding of Thai Airways flights to Kathmandu followed the crash, as the airline sought to reevaluate its operations in the region. The incident became a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with air travel in mountainous areas, leading to enhanced regulatory scrutiny and improved pilot training in similar environments. Over the years, it catalyzed discussions about flight safety protocols and risk factors associated with flying in challenging geographical locales.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Thai Airways Flight 311 drew significant attention to aviation safety in mountainous regions, particularly in Nepal. It underscored the need for specialized training for pilots navigating difficult terrains and heightened scrutiny on airline operations in such areas. This incident prompted improved regulations and safety measures, positively influencing the aviation industry in mountainous environments.
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