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Air Ambulance Crash Probe: AAIB, DGCA Teams Gather Evidence in Chatra

Investigation teams from the AAIB and DGCA have examined the crash site of a medical evacuation flight in Chatra, Jharkhand, which claimed seven lives. They collected evidence from the wreckage, conducted drone inspections, and transported the debris for further analysis. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft appearing unstable before a loud explosion amid poor weather conditions. The probe will analyze technical records and the aircraft's condition to determine the cause of the crash.

Key Points: Chatra Air Ambulance Crash: AAIB, DGCA Investigate Site

  • Seven lives lost in medical evacuation flight crash
  • Aircraft lost radar contact near Varanasi
  • Eyewitnesses report instability before explosion
  • Drone used for site inspection
  • Investigation focuses on technical records and weather
2 min read

AAIB, DGCA teams examine Chatra air ambulance crash site; gather evidence

Teams from AAIB and DGCA examine the Chatra air ambulance crash site, collect evidence, and interview eyewitnesses to determine the cause of the tragedy.

"locals had reported seeing the aircraft lose balance moments before it crashed - Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubham Khandelwal"

Chatra, February 25

Teams from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have conducted on-site investigations into the tragic air ambulance crash that claimed seven lives in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Monday evening.

The teams on Wednesday collected crucial evidence from the wreckage of the Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registered VT-AJV, which was operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down in Kasariya Panchayat under Simaria block on Monday at around 7:30 pm.

Drone inspection of the area was also conducted, and the wreckage of the plane was transported out of the jungle as investigations continue.

The DGCA team also arrived at the site on Tuesday to examine the wreckage, while the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) collected crucial documents and evidence, reaffirming that the investigation will continue.

On Tuesday, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubham Khandelwal stated that locals had reported seeing the aircraft lose balance moments before it crashed. He said the bodies had been handed over to family members and postmortems had been conducted.

Eyewitness Pawan Yadav told officials that the aircraft had appeared unstable before a loud explosion was heard amid light rain and poor weather conditions.

The aircraft had taken off from Ranchi at 19:11 IST and had lost radar and communication contact near 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi before crashing.

The AAIB and DGCA teams are expected to carry out a detailed analysis to determine the cause of the crash, examining technical records and assessing the condition of the aircraft at the time of the incident.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is heartbreaking. These were medical professionals or patients trying to get critical care. The report mentions light rain and poor weather. While I appreciate the swift response of the investigation teams, a respectful question: are there strict enough protocols for air ambulances to fly in such conditions? Safety must be paramount, no compromises.
R
Rohit P
Very sad news. The aircraft lost contact 100 nautical miles from Varanasi. That's a significant distance for a communication blackout. The investigation should look deeply into the avionics and communication systems of these smaller aircraft used for medevac. We rely on them for emergency transport in remote areas like Jharkhand.
S
Sarah B
Terrible accident. Using drones for inspection is a good, modern approach by the AAIB. Hope the detailed analysis provides clear answers and leads to concrete safety improvements for all air ambulance operators in India. Thoughts with everyone affected.
V
Vikram M
Om Shanti. A Beechcraft C90 is a robust plane. For it to lose balance and crash points to something severe. Eyewitness account of an explosion is chilling. The DGCA needs to audit the operator, Redbird Airways, thoroughly. Were the pilots experienced with the terrain and weather patterns of that region?
K
Karthik V
This highlights the risks our air ambulance crews take every day. They are heroes. The investigation must be transparent and its findings should be made public to restore trust. Also, kudos to the local police and authorities in Chatra for managing the site and handing over the bodies respectfully to the families.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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