Kathmandu, June 27 -- The February 27 Air Dynasty crash in Taplejung that killed seven people, including the sitting tourism minister, occurred because it violated standard operating procedures, according to a preliminary report from the government's investigation commission.

The report-which will be made public in 60 days after comments from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Nepal's aviation regulatory body, the aircraft manufacturer, among others-was submitted to Dhan Bahadur Budha, state minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation, on Wednesday.

At least four people familiar with the report told the Post that the investigation commission has identified a violation of standard operating procedures as the prima...