Air Ambulance Crashes Mid-Air in India, Seven Dead

India has witnessed yet another tragic aviation accident. A Beechcraft C-90 air ambulance, operated by Redbird Airways Private Limited, en route from Ranchi to Delhi, lost contact mid-flight and subsequently crashed in the eastern state of Jharkhand, claiming the lives of all seven occupants on board.

The aircraft took off from Ranchi at 7:11 PM local time on Monday. Approximately 23 minutes into the flight, air traffic control (ATC) lost radar contact with the plane. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft was last in contact with Kolkata ATC at 7:34 PM before vanishing from radar screens. Its wreckage was later discovered in the Simaria police jurisdiction within Chatra district, contrary to initial reports that suggested the crash occurred between Palamu and Latehar districts.

Onboard were two pilots, a patient, two assistants, a doctor, and a paramedic. The patient, a 41-year-old male, had previously suffered burns covering 63% of his body and was under intensive care. He was being transferred to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. Both pilots, identified as Vivek Vikash Bilagat and Sarvadeep Singh, also perished in the crash.

Emergency response teams from the district administration promptly reached the site to recover the victims. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the disaster, which underscores the risks associated with air ambulance operations in India’s often challenging flying conditions.

Flight Details at a Glance

This tragic incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of emergency air transport in India, particularly under high-pressure medical evacuation scenarios. Authorities have urged strict adherence to aviation safety protocols while the AAIB conducts a thorough examination of the wreckage, flight records, and potential technical malfunctions.