DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) US-Bangla Airlines crashed in Kathmandu (photo / video)

On 12 March 2018, US-Bangla Airlines collapsed in DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) in Kathmandu. There were 71 persons (67 passengers and 4 crew members). Of the 67 passengers, 32 were from Bangladesh, 33 from Nepal, one from China and one from Maldives.

DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) US-Bangla Airlines crashed in Kathmandu

The aircraft operated flight BS211, on the route Dhaka - Kathmandu. Around 14:15 local time (08:30 UTC), the aircraft was preparing to land at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan Airport. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a storm crossed the airport with cumulonimbus clouds exceeding 2500 meters.

It seems that, before the collapse, there was a confused discussion between the control tower and the pilots of the DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) regarding the direction of landing. Kathmandu Airport has one runway in the 02 / 20 direction. But the investigation is about to determine exactly why the aircraft burst into flames near the runway.

Discussion between the aircraft pilots and the control tower

Authorities have reported the deaths of 49 people (other sources report 50 deceased persons). While 22 injured persons (21 from other sources) were transported to local hospitals.

Basanta Bohara, a 27 year old, is one of the 22 survivors of the accident.

This is the first accident involving victims of a US-Bangla Airlines plane and the second accident (with deceased persons) involving a Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft.

DHC-8-Q400 (S2-AGU) US-Bangla Airlines

The De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 aircraft was 17.2 years old. It was configured in a class with 76 seats. Propulsion was provided by 2 PW100 / 150 engines. In May 2014, the aircraft arrived in the US-Bangla Airlines fleet.

US-Bangla Airlines is an airline founded in 2010, part of the US-Bangla Group, a company founded by the United States and Bangladesh. It started flying on 17 July 2014. Has a fleet of 7 aircraft: 4 x 737-800 and 3 x Bombardier Dash 8.