Tragic Air Ambulance Crash from Ranchi to Delhi: Seven Lives Aboard
Synopsis
A tragic incident unfolded as an air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in Jharkhand with seven individuals on board. The DGCA has initiated an investigation while rescue operations are underway. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
Incident date: February 23, 2026 Flight: Air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi Casualties: Seven individuals on board Investigation: Conducted by DGCA and AAIB Location: Kasaria Panchayat, Chatra district, Jharkhand
New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Monday that an air ambulance traveling from Ranchi to Delhi with seven individuals on board crashed in Kasaria Panchayat, located in the Chatra district of Jharkhand.
The local District Administration has deployed a search-and-rescue team to the site, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is being sent to conduct an investigation. Further updates will be provided, as stated by the aviation authority.
On February 23, 2026, a medical evacuation flight operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, using a Beechcraft C90 aircraft (VT-AJV), experienced a crash in the Kasaria Panchayat area. The aircraft was carrying seven individuals, including two crew members.
The flight took off from Ranchi at 19:11 IST and lost contact with Kolkata air traffic control at 19:34 IST, approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
This air ambulance was a Beechcraft King Air (BE9L) charter flight, departing for Delhi. It lost all communication around 7:34 PM near Palamu in northwestern Jharkhand.
Among those on board were a patient, a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants, a pilot, and a co-pilot. Ongoing rescue efforts are in place, with additional details still forthcoming.
The flight was expected to land in Delhi at 10 PM, but it lost contact with Air Traffic Control shortly before.
In related news, a preliminary report regarding the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati, which resulted in the deaths of NCP leader Ajit Pawar and four others, is set to be released by February 28, as stated by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.
During a press interaction, Mohol indicated, "The preliminary report will be published within a month following the incident on January 28—by or before February 28."
The Civil Aviation Ministry reiterated commitment to transparency, safety oversight, and accountability. Stakeholders are encouraged to avoid speculation and allow the formal investigation and regulatory procedures to unfold appropriately.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in aviation safety. The DGCA's prompt response and commitment to a thorough investigation are crucial as we seek to understand how such a tragedy could occur.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the air ambulance crash?
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the AAIB and DGCA.
How many people were on board the aircraft?
There were seven individuals aboard, including a patient and medical staff.
What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
The aircraft was a Beechcraft C90 operated by Redbird Airways.
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred in Kasaria Panchayat, Chatra district, Jharkhand.
What is the expected outcome of the investigation?
The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash and improve future aviation safety.
