RANCHI, India (Diya TV) — Seven people died after a Beechcraft air ambulance crashed during a thunderstorm in eastern India, aviation officials said Tuesday. The fatal crash in Jharkhand state has raised fresh concerns about air safety in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The Beechcraft C90 aircraft, operated by Redbird Airways, lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff from Ranchi, the state capital. Authorities later confirmed that no one survived.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the aircraft requested a change in its flight path due to bad weather. The plane soon lost communication and radar contact. It later crashed in Chatra district during severe weather. Local officials rushed to the crash site after receiving alerts. Rescue teams recovered all seven bodies from the wreckage.
“We have pulled out the bodies and sent them for post-mortem and further investigation,” said Keerthishree G, deputy commissioner of Chatra district.
The aircraft carried two pilots, two medical professionals, a patient, and two of his relatives. Officials identified the patient as Sanjay Kumar. His family said he had suffered burn injuries and was receiving treatment in Ranchi. Doctors advised that he be shifted to New Delhi for advanced care. The family arranged an air ambulance for the transfer.
“His condition had become worse, so we were taking him to Delhi by air ambulance,” said his older brother, Vijay Sau.
Officials said the pilots sought to change their route because of stormy weather. A thunderstorm swept through the region at the time of departure. Aviation experts say poor weather often increases risks during takeoff and landing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has not yet confirmed the exact cause of the crash. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has started a formal investigation. Investigators will examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot training history, and weather conditions.
Mohinder Kaur, chief of flight safety at Redbird Airways, said the pilots had strong experience. “Both pilots were capable and experienced,” she said, adding that authorities are conducting a thorough probe. Industry experts note that air crashes usually result from several factors. Investigations often take months or even more than a year to complete.
The crash comes as India expands its aviation network at a rapid pace. The country ranks among the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. With growth has come increased scrutiny over aviation safety standards. On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced stricter safety rules for non-scheduled operators, including charter services and air ambulances. The regulator cited recent incidents and lapses in standard operating procedures and training.
The new mandates require operators to publicly disclose safety records. The rules also increase cockpit voice recorder and flight data audits. Authorities plan to impose stricter penalties for violations. Regulators will also enhance oversight of aircraft maintenance and weather-related decision-making. Officials hope these steps will improve aviation safety and prevent future crashes.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, a helicopter made an emergency landing in the sea near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. State-owned operator Pawan Hans managed the flight. News agency ANI reported that all seven people on board survived. Rescue teams reached the site quickly and brought passengers and crew to safety. Officials have not released details about what caused that incident.
Last month, another fatal aviation accident shook the country. A Learjet 45 charter aircraft crashed, killing all five people on board. The victims included the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra and two members of his staff.
India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly in recent years. Airlines have expanded routes to smaller cities and increased regional connectivity. Air ambulance services have also become more common as demand for fast medical transport rises. However, experts warn that strong oversight must keep pace with expansion. Clear weather protocols, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance remain critical for safe operations.
Authorities continue to investigate the Jharkhand air ambulance crash. Families of the victims await answers as officials work to determine what caused the tragedy. The crash has renewed focus on aviation safety in India. Regulators now face pressure to enforce strict standards across all operators to ensure passenger safety in the skies.
