THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 24: Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the crash of a Redbird Airways air ambulance in Jharkhand that killed all seven people on board, including a patient, on Monday evening.
The Beechcraft C90 aircraft (VT-AJV), operated by Redbird Airways Pvt. Ltd., was en route from Ranchi to Delhi when it crashed near Simaria in Chatra district shortly after takeoff.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off from Ranchi at 7:11 pm. After establishing contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control, it lost communication and radar contact at 7:34 pm, around 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi.
There were seven people on board, including two crew members.
Probe Focuses on Weather and Technical Factors
Officials said the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined. Weather conditions at the time of the accident are among the key factors being examined.
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached the crash site. An expert team from Delhi is also expected to conduct a technical investigation, including efforts to recover and examine the black box, flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
Investigators will also look into communication records with air traffic control, aircraft maintenance history and the pilot’s experience.
It was not immediately clear whether the black box had been recovered.
Government Response and Reactions
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari visited Chatra Sadar Hospital following the crash, as directed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He held a review meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Civil Surgeon.
The minister said the matter appears linked to aviation safety standards and flight operation procedures, but stressed that conclusions will be drawn only after a full investigation. He assured that strict action would be taken if negligence is found and promised all possible assistance and compensation to the victims’ families.
Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and former Jharkhand Labour Minister Satyanand Bhokta expressed grief over the tragedy. Bhokta demanded equal compensation for all affected families.
Questions Raised Over Health Facilities
Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, who was among the deceased, worked at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital. His father questioned the state’s healthcare system, asking why patients must travel to Delhi for advanced treatment if adequate facilities exist locally.
Dr. Anant Sinha, founder and CEO of Devkamal Hospital and Research Centre, said the patient, Sanjay Kumar (41), had suffered around 63–65% burn injuries in a fire at his hotel in Satbarwa, Palamu, eight days earlier. He was admitted to the ICU on February 16.
According to hospital officials, the family had arranged an air ambulance to shift him to Delhi for better treatment. His wife, Archana Devi and son Dhuru Kumar were also on board. All three died in the crash.
Second Crash in Less Than a Month
The accident marks the second plane crash in less than a month involving a non-scheduled operator. On January 28, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others died in a plane crash near Baramati.
Redbird Airways, based in Delhi, operates a fleet of six aircraft, including the one that crashed.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials said the exact cause of the Jharkhand air ambulance crash will be known only after detailed technical analysis.