A medical air ambulance flying from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed in the dense forests of Chatra district in Jharkhand on Monday evening, killing all seven people on board, officials confirmed.
The accident occurred soon after the aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 (tail number VT-AJV) operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, took off from Birsa Munda Airport at around 7:11 pm. Within about 20–25 minutes, the plane lost communication and radar contact with air traffic controllers, and was later found crashed in the Kasaria/Bariatu Panchayat area near Simaria, deep inside the forest.
Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G said, “All seven on board the air ambulance were killed in the crash.”
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: Who Were the Victims on Board the Air Ambulance?
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that seven individuals were aboard the medical evacuation flight. They included:
- Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat (pilot-in-command)
- Captain Savrajdeep Singh (co-pilot)
- Sanjay Kumar (41) – the burn patient being transferred
- Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta – attending physician
- Sachin Kumar Mishra – paramedic
- Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar – patient attendants
The victims’ bodies have been retrieved from the crash site, authorities said.
According to hospital officials, Sanjay Kumar was seriously injured in a separate accident earlier and had suffered severe burns covering more than 60 % of his body. His family opted for an air ambulance to take him to Delhi for advanced treatment.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: What Happened During the Flight? Radar and Weather Signals
Flight data and ATC records showed that the aircraft contacted Kolkata ATC shortly after departure and was cleared for the journey. It then requested a deviation due to adverse weather conditions, possibly indicating heavy rain or turbulence in the path.
Around 7:34 pm, approximately 23 minutes after takeoff, the plane vanished from radar and air traffic control communication. Rescue teams later located the wreckage in a heavily forested area where difficult terrain and weather have slowed initial operations.
Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar noted that bad weather could be a contributing factor, but the exact cause will only be known after a detailed investigation.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: Safety Probe Ordered as Aviation Concerns Grow
The crash has renewed scrutiny of aircraft safety in India’s charter and medical flight sectors. This tragedy follows several high-profile aviation accidents in recent months, raising questions about regulatory oversight, pilot training, and weather planning.
An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team has been dispatched to lead a full probe alongside DGCA officials. Investigators will analyse flight data records, maintenance logs, weather reports, and communications to determine what went wrong.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: Local Reactions and Impact on Families
The incident has shaken local communities and the families of the victims. Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren posted on X, “I pray for the safe recovery of all 7 individuals, including the crew members aboard the plane from Marang Buru (the supreme tribal deity), and for strength to their families during this difficult time.”
Emergency and rescue teams are continuing recovery operations, and district authorities are coordinating support for the bereaved families.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Safety Review
DGCA officials have reiterated that the final cause of the crash cannot be confirmed until the investigation is complete, which could take weeks. As investigators gather evidence, aviation experts and policymakers are expected to review protocols for non-scheduled flights, especially those involving critical medical evacuations.
