Control System Failure: A Narrow Escape in the Himalayas

 In 2022, a regional flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara encountered a critical control system issue during its descent. As the aircraft approached the mountainous terrain near the airport, the pilots realized the flight control surfaces were not responding as expected. The aircraft began to drift off its intended flight path, and altitude adjustments became sluggish. Despite repeated attempts, the crew struggled to stabilize the plane using manual inputs.As conditions worsened, the captain declared an emergency and urgently requested permission to land. Navigating through challenging terrain, the crew brought the aircraft down with a rough landing on the runway. The landing resulted in slight structural damage, but everyone on board was safely evacuated without injury.Investigations later found that a mechanical linkage in the elevator system had loosened due to undetected wear and tear. The event underscored the dangers of minor mechanical issues being overlooked and emphasized the need for detailed inspections, especially for aircraft operating in rugged conditions. It was a powerful reminder that even short regional flights require the same safety vigilance as long-haul operations.