Nepal: Plane Crash Kills 18, Pilot Lone Survivor
The Facts
A passenger plane with 19 people onboard crashed Wednesday just after taking off from Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, killing 18 people and injuring the pilot.
A doctor at Kathmandu Medical College Hospital told The Associated Press that the plane's pilot sustained injuries to his eyes, but said his life was not in danger.
The Spin
Narrative A
Nepal has one of the world's worst records for aviation safety. Not only is this due to poor training and maintenance, but the country is one of the most challenging places to fly, as mountain peaks and rugged geography often surround runways.
Narrative B
The cause of Wednesday's tragic crash hasn't been ascertained yet, and it's unfair to blame all of Nepal's air tragedies solely on its infrastructure. The aviation industry and pilots must cope with extraordinary challenges in this terrain, which must always be kept in mind.
