Medical Charter Plane Loses Contact and Crashes Near Ranchi: Rescue Efforts Underway
Synopsis
A medical charter aircraft has tragically crashed near Ranchi shortly after takeoff, with seven people on board. Rescue operations are currently in progress as authorities gather more information about the incident.
Key Takeaways
Medical charter aircraft crash reported near Ranchi.
Seven individuals were on board, including medical personnel.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing in the affected area.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
DGCA has confirmed the loss of radar contact shortly after takeoff.
New Delhi, February 23 (NationPress) - A medical charter plane carrying seven individuals lost radar connection shortly after its departure from Ranchi Airport on Monday evening, as reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
A crash was subsequently confirmed.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft King Air (BE9L), was a medical charter flight operated by Redbird Airways, based in Delhi, en route from Ranchi to Delhi. It took off at 7:07 PM and lost contact around 7:34 PM in the vicinity of Palamu, located in northwestern Jharkhand.
On board were seven passengers, consisting of one patient, one doctor, one paramedic, two attendants, a pilot, and a co-pilot.
Rescue operations are currently ongoing, with further details still forthcoming.
According to DGCA sources, “A charter plane vanished from radar shortly after takeoff from Ranchi Airport.”
The aircraft was expected to land in Delhi by 10 PM but lost contact with Air Traffic Control at 7:34 PM.
Search operations are actively taking place in the Kasiyatu forest of Simaria, where the crash reportedly happened.
Meanwhile, the initial report regarding the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati, which resulted in the deaths of NCP leader Ajit Pawar and four others, is anticipated to be published on or before February 28, as stated by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol on Sunday.
Mohol conveyed to reporters at an event, “The preliminary report will be issued within one month of the incident occurring on January 28, specifically on or before February 28.”
The Civil Aviation Ministry indicated on Thursday that its regulatory bodies are committed to transparency, safety oversight, and accountability. Stakeholders are urged to avoid speculation and permit the statutory investigation and regulatory processes to follow established procedures.
In accordance with ICAO standards, the preliminary report regarding the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crash at Baramati must be released within 30 days of the incident, with a final report to follow subsequently, according to the Ministry.
Point of View
This incident raises serious concerns about aviation safety and the protocols in place for medical charter flights. The ongoing rescue operations highlight the urgency of the situation, and it is imperative to await further details before drawing conclusions.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the medical charter plane?
The medical charter plane lost radar contact shortly after takeoff from Ranchi and has reportedly crashed.
How many people were on board?
There were seven individuals on board, including a patient, a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants, and the flight crew.
What measures are being taken for rescue?
Rescue operations are currently underway in the Kasiyatu forest area near Simaria, where the crash is believed to have occurred.
What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft involved was a Beechcraft King Air (BE9L) medical charter flight.
What is the expected time for updates?
Additional details are expected to emerge as rescue operations continue and information is gathered from the scene.
