7 Killed in Air Ambulance Crash in Jharkhand Forest

Crash in Jharkhand Forest Claims 7 Lives

The Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 air ambulance en route to Delhi from Ranchi had crashed on the evening of Monday (February 23) somewhere in the Bariatu Panchayat at Simaria, deep in a forest, killing all seven passengers onboard (including two of the pilots). The crash happened not long after the aircraft, the one operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, departed from Ranchi airport at 7.11 p.m on February 23.
The district administration search and rescue team has arrived at the place, with an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team deployed. 

Victims: Pilots, Doctor, Patient & Family

The air ambulance took off from Ranchi on Monday and had Sanjay, along with his wife Archana, relative Dhruv and medical and crew members. The aircraft went down in Chatra district soon after takeoff. None of the seven people on board survived the crash.
The victims of the crash are Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, the pilot-in-command, and Captain Savrajdeep Singh, the co-pilot. The medical team and passengers were Sanjay Kumar (41); Archana Devi and Dhruv Kumar, attendants; Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta; and Sachin Kumar Mishra, paramedic. 

Statement of the DGCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation remarked the aircraft had made contact with Kolkata air traffic control right after takeoff. It said at 19:34 IST the crew requested deviation due to weather conditions before communication was lost.
The DGCA said, “On 23.02.2026 Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight on sector Ranchi-Delhi crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. There were seven people on board, including two crew members.”
“The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata at 19:34 IST, aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi,” it added.

Leader Mourn Over the Loss of Lives

In a X post, former chief minister and BJP leader Champai Soren said he was really saddened to hear about the news of the crash.
“I pray for the deceased individuals, including the crew members aboard the plane from Marang Buru (the supreme tribal deity), and for strength to their families during this difficult time,” he said.