A medical air ambulance crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday, February 23, 2026, killing all seven people on board, according to a top State government official.
Details of the Crash
The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, was en route from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down near Simaria. The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Ranchi airport at 7:11 p.m.
Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G confirmed the fatalities, stating, “All seven on board the air ambulance were killed in the crash. The plane was on the way to Delhi from Ranchi.” The aircraft was reported missing around 7:30 p.m. And crashed in the Bariatu Panchayat area of Simaria, a remote, forested location.
The victims have been identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi, and Dhuru Kumar. Authorities retrieved the bodies from the crash site.
Medical Emergency and Flight Details
The air ambulance was arranged for Sanjay Kumar, a 41-year-vintage patient from Chandwa in Latehar district. He had been receiving treatment at Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi for burn injuries – 65 percent of his body surface area – sustained on February 16. His family sought further medical care for him in Delhi and chartered the flight, which departed the hospital around 4:30 p.m.
According to the DGCA, the aircraft established contact with Kolkata air traffic control at 7:34 p.m., but subsequently lost communication and radar contact approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi.
Investigation and Response
The district administration’s search and rescue team reached the crash location, and the AAIB team has been dispatched to investigate. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren expressed his sadness over the incident, offering prayers for the deceased and their families.
Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar indicated that inclement weather may have been a factor, but the definitive cause will be determined by the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the flight path of the aircraft?
The aircraft was operating a medical evacuation flight on the Ranchi-Delhi sector.
Who was on board the air ambulance?
The aircraft was carrying seven people: two pilots (Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Captain Savrajdeep Singh), a patient (Sanjay Kumar), a doctor (Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta), a paramedic (Sachin Kumar Mishra), and two attendants (Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar).
What is the next step in understanding the cause of the crash?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been dispatched to investigate the crash and determine its cause.
What factors might the AAIB consider as they investigate this tragedy?
