Nepal Co-pilot Anju Khatiwada lost husband in plane crash 16 years earlier
The pilot of the recent plane crash in Nepal has been revealed as Anju Khatiwada – who was co-piloting the doomed flight.
The plane crashed in Nepal on Sunday in a gorge near the tourist town of Pokhara, killing all on board.
It’s now been revealed that Anju Khatiwada had lost her husband in a plane crash 16 years earlier. The plane was carrying rice and food to the town of Jumla when it came down and burst into flames in June 2006, killing all nine on board.
Dipak Pokhrel had been co-piloting the Yeti Airlines flight when it crashed – his death spurred Anju to follow a career in aviation.
Four years after her husband’s death, and raising their child alone, Anju was on the path to becoming a pilot.
She was one of just six women employed by Yeti Airlines as a pilot and had flown close to 6,400 hours.
“She was a full captain at the airline who had done solo flights,” Sudarshan Bartaula from Yeti Airlines said. “She was a brave woman.”
Anju Khatiwada death
Anju later remarried and went on to have another child as she continued with her career. Those closest to her say she loved her job and was a delight to be around.
Parts of the plane Anju was co-piloting remain scattered on the banks of the River Seti. A small section of the plane rested on the gorge and rescuers continue to search for bodies.
It’s still unknown what caused the plane to crash.
Plane crashes are not uncommon in Nepal. The terrain and unpredictable weather are difficult to navigate and are often cited as the reasons for crashes. But others will also point to outdated planes, lax regulations and poor oversight as contributing factors.
