'Requested deviation due to weather': Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance lost contact with ATC 20 minutes after takeoff; 2nd crash within a month
Times of India
by TOI CITY DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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A medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on Monday evening, killing all seven people on board. The aircraft had requested a deviation due to bad weather shortly after takeoff and lost radar contact 23 minutes later. Among the victims were two pilots, a patient, their family members, and medical staff. Authorities believe the crash was likely caused by a thunderstorm, which has raised concerns about aviation safety in poor weather conditions.
The aircraft, operating as an air ambulance, took off from Ranchi at 7:11 PM. It established initial contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control (ATC) before requesting a deviation due to bad weather. However, it went offline just 23 minutes later, around 7:34 PM, approximately 100 nautical miles southeast of Varanasi. Villagers in the area reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing debris scattered across the ground. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been dispatched to investigate the crash and recover the flight data recorder.
This incident marks the second small aircraft tragedy in India within a month, following the January 28 crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, which killed five people, including deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The latest crash highlights potential vulnerabilities in aviation operations during severe weather conditions. While authorities have speculated that bad weather played a role, the exact cause will only be determined after a detailed investigation.
The loss of all seven lives on board has shocked local communities and raised questions about the safety of medical evacuation flights in India. As officials work to determine the precise cause of the crash, the incident underscores the importance of improving aviation safety measures, particularly in challenging weather conditions. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in air travel, especially when operating in unpredictable atmospheric environments.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026