The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) today suspended the license of two pilots.
CAAN spokesperson and deputy director general Jagannath Niraula confirmed the suspension of license of Senior Captain Santosh Shah and Captain Sanjib Shrestha, the pilots of the Tara Air, who were engaged in a physical fight in the premises of the airport at Manthali, Ramechhap this morning.
"The license of the two senior captains have been suspended until further notice due to the breach of the security standard. Their license will be revoked or other action, according to the law, might be taken against them after detailed investigation," Niraula added.
The aviation sector regulator stated that the reason behind the two pilots belonging to the same company resorting to physical fight is not known yet. "A thorough investigation could also result in the revocation of their licenses and the imposition of other punitive measures in accordance with regulations," the regulator said, adding that it has also suspended the station manager of the Manthali Airport.
In the last 10 months, CAAN has taken action against some 20 pilots. "The increasing indiscipline among the pilots has been a serious concern lately," the regulatory authority claimed.
Meanwhile, Senior Captain Shah has filed a case against Captain Shrestha at the police station.
Earlier today morning, a fight erupted between two Tara Air pilots at Ramechhap Airport, raising concerns within the aviation community. The fight occurred at 8 AM, when a TwinOtter aircraft operated by Tara Air landed at Ramechhap Airport from Lukla.
Though, the exact cause of the fight remains undisclosed, the eyewitnesses claimed that they
"I am currently probing the incident of Senior Captain Santosh Shah, who had piloted the aircraft arriving from Lukla at 8 AM, and Captain Sanjeev Shrestha, who was scheduled to take the aircraft back to Lukla," station manager of Manthali Airport Ashok Thapa aid this morning.
According to informed sources, the fight occurred during the duty changeover. As Senior Captain Shah was heading towards the airport building, Captain Shrestha was en route to the aircraft. The fight began when Captain Shrestha pushed Captain Shah, who had extended his hand for a handshake. Subsequently, a physical confrontation ensued.
Captain Shah reported an injury to his hand and left for treatment in the Manthali market, while Captain Sanjeev Shrestha continued to Lukla with the aircraft. The aircraft and Captain Shrestha have since been grounded at Lukla Airport.
"Sanjeev mentioned that it was a personal matter, and said that he can operate the aircraft," informed the Manthali airport. "Currently, the aircraft and Captain Shrestha remain grounded at Lukla airport, while Senior Captain Shah has been grounded in Ramechhap."
Tara Airlines' spokesperson Sudarshan Bertaula informed that the company is inquiring into the matter. "This fight appears to be rooted in their personal issues and is unrelated to the airline's operations or flights," he said, adding that the company has started internal investigation to ascertain the details of the incident.
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