Mon Feb 23 17:43:55 UTC 2026: # Air Ambulance Crashes En Route from Ranchi to Delhi; All Seven Onboard Presumed Dead
The Story:
A Redbird Airways air ambulance crashed near Simaria, in the Chatra district of Jharkhand on Monday, February 23, 2026. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registration VT-AJV, was carrying seven people from Ranchi to Delhi for a medical evacuation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the crash, stating that communication was lost with the aircraft shortly after it requested a deviation due to weather conditions.
Search and rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is preparing to investigate the cause of the accident. The fate of the seven individuals onboard remains unconfirmed, but initial reports suggest no survivors.
Key Points:
- The air ambulance, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, crashed on February 23, 2026.
- The flight was en route from Ranchi to Delhi for medical evacuation.
- Seven people were onboard, including two crew members.
- The aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi after requesting a deviation due to weather.
- The DGCA has dispatched an AAIB team to investigate the crash.
Key Takeaways:
- Adverse weather conditions appear to have played a role in the accident.
- The incident raises concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance standards of air ambulance services in India.
- The AAIB investigation will be crucial in determining the precise cause of the crash and preventing similar incidents in the future.
First Piper 