Tue Feb 24 05:37:34 UTC 2026: ### Air Ambulance Crash in Jharkhand Claims Seven Lives
The Story:
A Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 air ambulance crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on February 23, 2026, killing all seven people on board. The aircraft, en route from Ranchi to Delhi, went down shortly after takeoff. The victims include two pilots, a doctor, the patient being transported, and three others. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.
Key Points:
- The crash occurred on February 23, 2026, shortly after the air ambulance took off from Ranchi airport at 7:11 p.m. IST.
- The aircraft was operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd and was headed to Delhi.
- All seven individuals on board died, including the pilots, Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Captain Savrajdeep Singh, patient Sanjay Kumar, Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi, and Dhuru Kumar.
- The patient, Sanjay Kumar (41), had suffered 65% burn injuries and was being transferred to Delhi for specialized treatment.
- The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control approximately 20 minutes after takeoff.
- Inclement weather is being considered as a possible factor in the crash.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is dispatching a team to investigate the incident.
- Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd has six aircraft in its fleet, according to the DGCA website.
Key Takeaways:
- The air ambulance crash highlights the risks associated with air medical transport, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
- The incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent future accidents.
- The tragedy underscores the importance of stringent safety regulations and maintenance standards for air ambulance operators.
- The event has caused grief and mourning, with condolences expressed by political leaders.
First Piper 