Ranchi/New Delhi:
A medical charter aircraft carrying seven people crashed near Ranchi on Monday evening after losing radar contact shortly after takeoff, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Rescue operations are currently underway in the forested region where the crash is believed to have occurred.
Aircraft Details and Timeline
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft King Air C90 (BE9L), tail number VT-AJV, operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways.
Key Timeline:
- 🛫 Takeoff: 7:07–7:11 PM from Ranchi Airport
- 📡 Last Contact: 7:34 PM
- 🗺️ Location of Radar Loss: Near Palamu/Kasiyatu forest area in northwestern Jharkhand
- ✈️ Destination: Delhi
- ⏰ Scheduled Arrival: Around 10:00 PM
According to DGCA sources, the aircraft lost communication approximately 23 minutes into the flight. A crash was later confirmed in the forested region of Simaria in Jharkhand.
Who Was Onboard?
There were seven individuals onboard the medical charter flight:
- 1 Patient
- 1 Doctor
- 1 Paramedic
- 2 Attendants
- 1 Pilot
- 1 Co-Pilot
The medical aircraft was reportedly transporting a patient to Delhi for treatment.
DGCA Statement
The DGCA confirmed:
“After establishing contact with Kolkata ATC, at approximately 19:34 IST, the aircraft lost communication and radar contact.”
Authorities are coordinating with local administration and emergency response teams to conduct search and rescue operations in the dense forest terrain.
As of now, no official confirmation has been issued regarding casualties or survivors.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams have been deployed in the Kasiyatu forest region near Simaria. The terrain is reportedly challenging, which may affect the speed of search operations.
Local police, forest officials, and aviation emergency teams are involved in the ongoing efforts.
Aviation Safety Context
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety following the recent Learjet 45 crash in Baramati. The preliminary report for that accident, involving aircraft VT-SSK, is expected by February 28, as per Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has reiterated its commitment to transparency and safety oversight. Officials have urged stakeholders to avoid speculation while investigations proceed under established international and domestic aviation protocols, including ICAO norms.
Investigation to Follow
A formal investigation into the Beechcraft crash will likely be initiated under DGCA supervision. Aviation accident investigations typically include:
- Analysis of flight data
- ATC communication review
- Weather condition assessment
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Pilot operational history
Further details are expected once rescue teams reach the crash site and confirm ground conditions.
Developing Story
Authorities are expected to issue an official update once more information becomes available regarding the condition of those onboard and the cause of the crash.
More details awaited.
