Seven deceased as Redbird Airways medevac aircraft crashes near Chatra
Seven people died on Monday after a medical extraction flight crashed in eastern India. The aircraft was transporting a critical burn patient from Ranchi to New Delhi when it went down in the Chatra district of Jharkhand state on February 23.
The Beechcraft C90, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt. Ltd., reportedly lost control minutes after departing from Ranchi. India’s aviation authorities confirmed the incident, noting the flight was an urgent mission to secure advanced treatment for the patient in the capital.
Emergency response and casualties
The victims include the patient, a physician, a paramedic, and two family members. The pilot and co-pilot also perished in the impact.
Local officials confirmed that all seven bodies were recovered from the crash site for autopsy. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by plumes of smoke rising from a dense jungle area, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.
Investigation into weather factors
Preliminary reports from state authorities suggest the aircraft encountered severe turbulence due to adverse weather conditions. The sudden loss of altitude occurred shortly after the flight reached its initial cruising phase.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deployed a specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Investigators are currently on-site to analyze the wreckage and determine the exact cause of the structural or operational failure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
