ISLAMABAD: A flight operating from Ranchi to Delhi met with a fatal accident on Monday evening, resulting in the loss of all seven individuals on board.
The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered as VT-AJV and operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, departed from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 19:11 IST. The flight was designated as an air ambulance service, carrying a patient requiring urgent transfer to Delhi along with essential medical personnel.
According to the official statement issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft established initial contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control following takeoff. Shortly thereafter, the pilots requested a deviation from their planned route due to prevailing weather conditions.
At approximately 19:34 IST, communication and radar contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control were lost. The last recorded position placed the aircraft about 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
The crash occurred in the Kasaria Panchayat area of Chatra district, Jharkhand, near Simaria, in a forested region. This location is roughly 130 kilometres from Ranchi, correcting initial reports that placed the incident directly in or near the departure city.
On board were seven persons: two pilots identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Captain Savrajdeep Singh, one patient named Sanjay Kumar (aged 41), one doctor (Dr Vikash Kumar Gupta), one paramedic (Sachin Kumar Mishra), and two attendants (Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar).
Rescue operations were promptly initiated by the district administration, with teams reaching the crash site in the Kasiyatu Karam Tand forest area. Reports from officials and media indicate that all seven occupants are confirmed deceased, marking a profound tragedy for the families involved.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to the location to conduct a thorough inquiry. The investigation will examine factors including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, pilot communications, and potential mechanical issues.
The Beechcraft C90, a twin-engine turboprop model known for its reliability in short-haul and charter operations, was approximately 39 years old according to preliminary details. Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, based in Delhi, specialises in charter and medical evacuation services.
This incident has drawn attention to the challenges faced by air ambulance operations in India, particularly in regions prone to variable weather and challenging terrain. Medical evacuation flights often operate under time-critical conditions, balancing urgency with safety protocols.
Aviation authorities have emphasised that standard operating procedures are being followed, with further updates expected as the probe progresses. The DGCA has committed to sharing additional information as it becomes available.
The loss of life in this crash, including a patient in need of critical care and dedicated medical staff, underscores the inherent risks in emergency aviation services. It serves as a somber reminder of the dedication required from those who operate in such demanding environments.
Authorities continue to coordinate recovery efforts at the site while extending support to the bereaved families. The precise cause of the accident remains under active investigation by the AAIB.