A tragic air ambulance accident occurred on Monday evening in Jharkhand, India, claiming the lives of all seven people on board. The aircraft, en route from Ranchi to Delhi, lost contact mid-air and subsequently crashed, marking yet another devastating incident in the region’s aviation history.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Beechcraft C-90 model aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Private Limited, took off from Ranchi at 7:11 pm local time. Only 23 minutes later, it lost contact with both radar and air traffic control. Initial reports suggested that the crash occurred somewhere between Palamu and Latehar districts. Later, the wreckage was recovered near Simaria police station in Chatra district.
DGCA officials noted that the plane lost complete radar visibility around 7:34 pm, shortly after communication with Kolkata air traffic was established. Rescue teams, deployed promptly by the Jharkhand district administration, confirmed that no survivors were found.
The aircraft was carrying two pilots, a patient, a doctor, two paramedics, and two assistants. The patient, whose identity has not been released, had suffered burns over 63% of their body and was being transported to Delhi for advanced medical care at the time of the crash.
Passenger and Crew Details
| Passenger Type | Name | Age / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Vivek Bikash Bilagat | Unmarried, experienced pilot |
| Co-Pilot | Sarvadeep Singh | Experienced pilot |
| Patient | Unknown | 41, ICU treatment, 63% burns |
| Doctor | Unknown | Responsible for patient care |
| Paramedics | Two | Air medical assistants |
| Assistants | Two | Assisted patient care |
The Air Crash Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe into the cause of the disaster. Preliminary assessments suggest that mechanical failure or sudden weather changes could have contributed, though authorities have stressed that definitive conclusions will only emerge after the full investigation is completed.
Aviation experts have expressed concern over the safety of emergency medical transport flights in India, highlighting the need for stricter maintenance protocols and continuous monitoring of such aircraft. Monday’s crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks inherent in airborne medical evacuations, particularly when transporting critically ill patients.
Jharkhand officials continue to coordinate recovery efforts and provide support to the families of the deceased. The incident underscores the ongoing need for enhanced safety standards and emergency preparedness in India’s civil aviation sector.