Chatra Air Ambulance Crash: Engine Failure, Heavy Medical Load or Severe Weather? Six Possible Causes Under Scanner

A Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance flight turned into a tragedy on Monday night when it crashed in the forests of Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district, killing all seven people on board, including a critically injured patient.

The aircraft had taken off from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 7:11 pm and reportedly lost contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control at 7:34 pm, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It was being operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways and was identified as a Beechcraft C90 aircraft.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation, with a team already at the crash site.

The Victims

The patient, identified as Sanjay Kumar, had reportedly suffered nearly 65% burn injuries in an accident and was being flown to Delhi for advanced treatment. Along with him, the pilot, medical crew, and other personnel on board lost their lives in what investigators are calling a devastating aviation incident.

Radar Contact Lost Mid-Flight

DGCA officials confirmed that radar and ATC contact was lost shortly after takeoff while the aircraft was approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi. Hours later, authorities confirmed that the plane had crashed in a densely forested area.

Severe Weather Suspected

Initial media reports suggest that adverse weather conditions may have played a role. Local residents reported heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and thunder in the region at the time of the crash.

Ranchi Airport Director Vinod Kumar stated that weather could be one of the contributing factors, though the exact cause will only be established after a detailed technical investigation.

Six Possible Causes Under Investigation

Aviation experts suggest multiple potential reasons that may have contributed to the crash. Until flight data is analyzed, these remain speculative:

1. Engine Failure

One theory suggests a catastrophic engine malfunction. If turbine components detached and punctured the fuel tank, it could have led to an explosion and fireball — explaining reports of burning debris.

2. Severe Weather Turbulence

Heavy storms, lightning strikes, wind shear, or microbursts can destabilize small aircraft, especially during ascent.

3. Load Imbalance

Air ambulances carry medical equipment and stretchers. If heavy equipment was not properly secured or shifted toward the rear, it could have altered the aircraft’s center of gravity, causing loss of control.

4. Structural Failure

Mechanical defects or fatigue in aircraft components could have led to in-flight breakup.

5. Pilot Disorientation

Flying through intense storm conditions can result in spatial disorientation, especially at night, potentially leading to loss of situational awareness.

6. Fuel System or Electrical Fire

An onboard fire triggered by fuel leakage or electrical malfunction could have caused rapid structural damage.

Investigators are expected to rely heavily on the flight data recorder to determine the precise chain of events.

What Is an Air Ambulance?

Air ambulances are specially configured helicopters or small fixed-wing aircraft designed as flying intensive care units (ICUs). They are equipped with life-saving equipment such as:

• Ventilators
• Oxygen support systems
• Defibrillators
• Cardiac monitors
• Emergency medications

Medical teams on board typically include doctors, critical care nurses, and paramedics who provide advanced treatment during transit.

A String of Aviation Incidents

This crash marks the third major aviation accident in recent months, following a Learjet 45 crash last month and the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025.

The Chatra tragedy has once again raised concerns about aviation safety, aircraft maintenance standards, and emergency response preparedness.

While weather appears to be an early suspect, aviation authorities have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. The final determination will depend on technical evidence, black box data, and forensic analysis.

Until then, the Ranchi–Delhi air ambulance crash remains a heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved in emergency medical aviation.