The recent air ambulance crash in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, operated by Redbird Airways, has renewed concerns over the safety practices of the Redbird Flight Training Academy. Authorities and aviation experts have pointed out a history of operational lapses, raising questions about regulatory oversight in India’s charter aviation sector.
This tragic crash, which killed all seven people on board, follows a string of incidents involving Redbird-operated aircraft over the past few years, including crash-landings that caused injuries to pilots and trainee pilots.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: History of Redbird Aviation Incidents
Earlier this month, a Cessna 172 (VT-EUC) belonging to Redbird Aviation crash-landed in Vijayapura due to suspected fuel starvation. The aircraft carried a flight instructor and a trainee pilot, both of whom sustained serious injuries but survived.
In 2025, a TECNAM P-Mentor aircraft (VT-RFO) operated by the airline crash-landed near Suktara Airfield in Madhya Pradesh. The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) suffered a minor injury, while the trainee pilot sustained a serious injury.
Redbird’s operational history has also seen trouble in 2023. A Tecnam P2008 JC crashed and landed in Baramati in October, followed by another VT-RBT aircraft experiencing engine failure and a crash landing near Gojubavi village just days later. The DGCA temporarily suspended Redbird’s operations at all its bases after these incidents.
Similar safety lapses were also reported in 2021 and 2022, indicating a pattern of repeated operational issues at the academy.
Redbird Aviation Record: Regulatory Warnings and Investigations
Following the Baramati crashes, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released preliminary reports highlighting obstruction of the investigation by the academy. Investigators noted that crucial evidence, such as SD cards from wreckage and CCTV hard drives, was removed before the AAIB team arrived without permission.
The AAIB’s preliminary report stated, “In view of the fact that crucial evidence like SD Card from wreckage and CCTV Hard Disks were removed before the arrival of the AAIB team without any intimation or permission, it is recommended that necessary action may be taken by DGCA against M/s Redbird Flight Training Academy Pvt Ltd for obstructing the proceedings of the Investigation Team as per the extant provisions.”
Authorities had urged the DGCA to take necessary action against the academy to ensure compliance with investigation protocols and aviation safety regulations.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash: Impact on Public Safety and Aviation Oversight
These repeated incidents, including the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a Learjet 45 crash in January, highlight the urgent need for tighter oversight of non-scheduled and charter aviation operations. The civil aviation ministry has assured that a preliminary report on the Learjet crash would be released by February 28, but concerns remain over recurring safety lapses.
Experts warn that without stricter enforcement and compliance checks, similar accidents may continue, potentially endangering passengers and crew on both charter and medical evacuation flights.
Calls for Stronger DGCA Action
The recent Chatra air ambulance crash has intensified calls for DGCA to review Redbird Flight Training Academy’s operations, particularly its training and maintenance protocols. Aviation analysts say that repeated accidents, delayed investigations, and evidence tampering point to systemic issues that need urgent regulatory intervention.
With the academy’s track record under scrutiny, authorities are expected to implement stricter safety audits to prevent further tragedies and restore public confidence in India’s charter and medical aviation sector.
