A Redbird Airways air ambulance travelling from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in Chatra district on Monday evening, killing all seven people on board. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have initiated an investigation.
Flight Timeline and Crash Location
The aircraft departed Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 7:11 pm. Minutes after take-off, the pilot sought permission for route diversion due to adverse weather conditions. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost at approximately 7:34 pm.
The wreckage was later located in a forest area under Simaria police station limits in Chatra district. Rescue operations began at around 8:05 pm, with local administration, police and disaster response teams conducting search efforts at the site.
Casualties and Mission Details
The air ambulance was on a medical mission. Those on board included two pilots, one anaesthesia specialist, one paramedic, two attendants and one patient. All seven occupants died in the crash.
The patient, 41-year-old Sanjay Kumar, had sustained 65 percent burn injuries and was being transported to Delhi for further treatment. A resident of Chandwa in Latehar district, he had been airlifted in critical condition. His family had arranged the air ambulance despite financial constraints.
Doctor Among the Deceased
Anaesthesia specialist Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta was among those killed. A native of Bihar, he had been residing in Ranchi for several years and was serving as an anaesthesia specialist at Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
Dr Gupta was actively involved in medical evacuation missions. It was reported that a day before the incident he had played a key role in the safe airlift of an Army personnel. His wife is employed at the Kachahari branch of the State Bank of India. He is survived by his wife and an eight-year-old son.
Aircraft and Weather Conditions
According to preliminary information, adverse weather conditions are being considered a major factor in the crash. The pilot had requested route diversion due to deteriorating weather shortly after take-off, following which radar contact was lost.
The aircraft was a Beechcraft King Air C90 operating on a medical mission. Reduced visibility and unfavourable weather conditions were reported. The exact cause of the crash will be determined after the investigation report is released.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the incident and stated that a detailed investigation will be conducted. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has departed from Delhi for the crash site.
Search efforts are underway for the black box, and weather-related data are being examined. Investigating agencies are analysing technical aspects, weather conditions and the pilot’s last contact.
