Air ambulance crashes in Jharkhand with 7 onboard, rescue op on; had vanished from radar
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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An air ambulance carrying seven individuals, including two crew members, crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand shortly after takeoff from Ranchi Airport. The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 operated by Redbird Airways, was traveling to Delhi when it lost radar and communication contact approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi. Rescue teams have reached the crash site, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is being dispatched for an investigation.
The flight departed Ranchi at 7:11 PM IST on February 23, 2026, and established contact with Kolkata air traffic control shortly after. However, around 7:34 PM IST, the aircraft requested a deviation due to weather conditions and then lost communication and radar contact. The District Administration search and rescue team is currently on-site, working to assess the situation and provide assistance.
The crash occurred in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, where rugged terrain complicates recovery efforts. Authorities are focusing on securing the area, retrieving any potential evidence, and supporting the families of those on board. The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, particularly in challenging weather conditions and remote areas.
This tragic event highlights the risks associated with medical evacuation flights, which often operate under time-sensitive circumstances and in varied weather conditions. The investigation will aim to determine the cause of the crash, with findings expected to inform future aviation
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026