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Six Injured as Small Plane Crash Lands in Odisha Field Near Rourkela

A Cessna 208 aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air crash-landed in a field about 10 km from the Rourkela airstrip in Odisha, injuring all six people on board. The pilot, who sustained serious injuries, reported a technical malfunction and executed an emergency landing to avoid a residential area. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the administration to ensure the best medical care for the victims. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has cordoned off the debris site to investigate the cause of the incident.

Key Points: Plane Crash Lands in Odisha, 6 Injured | Rourkela Airstrip

  • Nine-seater plane crash-lands in Odisha field
  • Six people injured, pilot critical
  • Technical malfunction before landing
  • Pilot averted residential area
  • DGCA investigating debris
2 min read

Six injured as small plane crash lands in Odisha

A nine-seater aircraft crash-landed in a field near Rourkela, Odisha, injuring six. The pilot is critical. CM Majhi directs medical care.

"The aircraft reported a technical malfunction moments before its scheduled landing. - Senior District Official"

Bhubaneswar, Jan 10

At least six people, including four passengers and two crew members, sustained injuries on Saturday after a nine-seater aircraft made an emergency crash landing in a field approximately 10 km from the Rourkela airstrip in Odisha, officials confirmed.

The IndiaOne Air aircraft, a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX (Registration VT-KSS), was operating a regular regional connectivity flight from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar when it encountered a critical technical malfunction moments before landing.

Local authorities confirmed that the occupants comprised four passengers and two crew members after the plane made a soft landing.

The pilot sustained serious injuries in the incident, and he has been rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

"The aircraft reported a technical malfunction moments before its scheduled landing. Emergency protocols were activated immediately after the pilot alerted the air traffic control," a senior district official stated.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed concern over the incident and directed the administration to provide the best medical care to the victims.

Nearby villagers were the first to reach the site and assisted in pulling the trapped passengers from the wreckage.

Police teams and medical units from Rourkela reached the spot shortly after to shift the victims to a local government hospital.

While the four passengers are reported to be stable with minor fractures and bruises, the condition of the pilot was said to be critical.

Reports suggested that the engine stalled mid-air, forcing the pilot to attempt a landing on the outskirts of the city to avoid a residential area.

A private firm operated the plane, which was frequently used for regional transit.

Aviation experts noted that the pilot's decision to steer the craft toward the open ground likely prevented a larger catastrophe.

Debris from the crash has been cordoned off for investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so scary! I travel on similar small planes for work sometimes in the northeast. The UDAN scheme is good for connectivity, but safety cannot be compromised. DGCA must investigate thoroughly.
R
Rahul R
Salute to the pilot's skill and presence of mind. He took a huge risk to save people on the ground. Also, big thanks to the villagers who rushed to help. This is the real spirit of India.
J
James A
While the pilot's actions were heroic, this raises serious questions about maintenance standards for private operators under the regional connectivity scheme. A technical malfunction "moments before landing" suggests something was missed in pre-flight checks.
A
Anjali F
Heartbreaking to read. Hope the pilot recovers soon. The article says it was a soft landing in a field – that itself is a miracle. Jai Hind to our brave pilots and local helpers.
V
Vikram M
Odisha administration acted swiftly. Good to see CM taking note. But we need more than just statements. There should be a mandatory audit of all aircraft used for regional flights. Safety first, always.

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