Seven Killed in Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash

Seven people were killed when a Beechcraft air ambulance crashed late Monday Feb. 23 night in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, authorities confirmed. The aircraft went down in a heavily forested area shortly after requesting a weather-related deviation, with all occupants declared dead at the scene.

According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Beechcraft C90 operated by Redbird Airways had requested a deviation due to adverse weather conditions while en route from Ranchi to Delhi. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control approximately 23 minutes after departing at 7:11 p.m. local time (13:41 GMT).

The crash occurred in the Kasaria region of Jharkhand, a remote area marked by dense forest. Rescue and medical teams were dispatched immediately after contact was lost. Officials located the wreckage deep within the wooded terrain, where images showed the crumpled aircraft scattered among trees and debris.

The DGCA confirmed that seven people were on board, including two crew members. Local administrative official Keerthishree G told reporters that medical personnel at the scene declared all occupants deceased.

Eyewitnesses cited by local media reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing smoke rising above the forest canopy. Emergency responders worked through the night to secure the site and begin preliminary assessments.

State authorities indicated that turbulence linked to poor weather may have contributed to the aircraft losing control. However, the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has deployed a team to examine the wreckage and gather flight data to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident.

The Beechcraft C90 is a twin-engine turboprop commonly used for charter, corporate, and medical evacuation flights. Aviation officials will analyze maintenance records, pilot qualifications, weather reports, and air traffic control communications as part of the formal inquiry.

The tragedy has drawn renewed attention to the operational challenges posed by adverse weather in parts of India, particularly in regions with complex terrain and limited diversion options. Further details are expected once investigators complete an initial assessment of the crash site and recover relevant evidence.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, dw.com, hindustantimes.com