Preliminary investigation report behind the Nepal’s Yeti airline crash has led the investigators to suspect human error behind the crash. According to the investigation, the aircraft lost thrust and fell after the propellers of both engines went into a feathered position
The report put forward by the five-member probe committee states that it is rare for the propellers of both engines to come to a feathered position.
“Human factor in the accident could not be disregarded. So, it is an issue of investigation,” said the member on condition of anonymity.
“When both propellers were feathered, the investigation team observed that both engines of 9N-ANC were running flight idle condition during the event flight to prevent over torque,” states the preliminary report.
“As per the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) all the recorded parameters related to engines did not show any anomaly,” adds the report.
When Air Traffic Controller (ATC) gave the clearance for landing the Pilot Flying (PF) mentioned twice that there was no power coming from the engines,” the report further says.
“During the time of the crash, the prevailing visibility was 6 km and the sky was almost clear with only a few clouds,” points out the preliminary report.
According to experts, the pilots unintentionally pulled the condition levers causing the engine to shut down and feather the propellers. Each lever starts and stops the fuel supply, and controls the idle speed for its respective engine.
One investigator said that they found the levers pulled down at the crash site.
Meanwhile the findings are as per the preliminary report, while the detailed report is awaited which will provide a clearer picture as to what caused the accident.