Co-pilot in the fatal plane crash in Nepal had just lost her husband, who was also a pilot in another Yeti Airlines accident 16 year ago.
Anju Khatiwada (44), was co-pilot of Sunday’s fatal flight from Kathmandu. It crashed into a canyon in clear weather close to Pokhara airport, killing at least 70.
Ms Khatiwada’s aviation career was inspired by Dipak Pokhrel’s death in 2006. He died in a Yeti Airlines crash in 2006, just minutes before landing.
There have been no survivors among the 72 passengers on Sunday’s flight. This was Nepal’s worst plane accident in 30 years.
According to Sudarshan Bartaula, Ms Khatiwada received her pilot training using the insurance money she had after Mr Pokhrel died in an Yeti Airlines crash in western Jumla.
He said that although her remains are not known, it is believed she is dead.
According to Mr Bartuala, Ms Khatiwada has more than 6,400 hours flying time and has flown the popular 27-minute tourist route between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The cause of the ATR-72 plane’s crash is not yet known. It was believed that the aircraft rolled side to side before colliding with a canyon near Pokhara airport.
Rescuers searched for passengers missing in action by combing through the debris that was scattered along a 300-metre deep gorge.
Searchers discovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from Monday’s flight. This discovery is expected to aid investigators in determining the cause of the crash.
A flight attendant stated that small children were on board the flight.
Ajay KC is a Pokhara police officer who was part of the rescue effort. He said that there were many small children among the passengers. Others may have died or been burned and could not be found. We will continue our search for them.
The crash left behind Ruan Calum Crutton, a British man, and other victims from India, South Korea and Australia.
According to Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, the flight carried 68 passengers including 15 foreign nationals and four crew members.
Kamal KC, the captain of the plane, was found dead in his body. He has been identified.
Television shows weeping relatives outside a Pokhara hospital, where post mortems are being performed.
This plane crash is less than one year after a Tara Air accident that claimed 22 lives.