A Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance flight carrying seven people crashed in Chatra district on Monday evening after losing radar contact mid-air, officials said. The aircraft departed Ranchi shortly after 7 p.m. and was expected to land in Delhi later that night before communication abruptly ceased.
According to aviation sources, the aircraft disappeared from radar approximately 20 to 25 minutes after takeoff. Air traffic controllers attempted repeated contact but received no response. The aircraft’s last recorded position placed it over Jharkhand airspace before it went silent.
Authorities suspect that adverse weather conditions may have played a role. Sources indicated that the crew had sought a possible route deviation due to cloud build-up or reduced visibility in certain sectors. However, officials emphasized that this remains speculative pending formal investigation findings.
The flight was operating as a medical evacuation mission, transporting a patient requiring urgent specialized treatment. In addition to the patient, the manifest included two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, and two attendants. Such flights are often arranged at short notice and operate under carefully coordinated medical and aviation protocols.
Rescue teams were dispatched immediately after radar contact was lost. District administration officials coordinated with police units and disaster response personnel to comb forested terrain in Chatra’s Simaria region. The area’s dense vegetation and limited nighttime visibility hampered early search efforts.
Local authorities reported that villagers in nearby settlements heard a loud impact-like noise shortly after the time the aircraft disappeared from radar. Search teams used this information to narrow down the likely crash zone. By late evening, emergency personnel had cordoned off parts of the forest area to prevent interference and ensure safety during recovery operations.
Aviation regulators have begun collecting preliminary information from air traffic control logs, maintenance records, and flight planning documents. Experts say investigators will examine whether weather conditions, mechanical malfunction, or human factors contributed to the crash.
The incident has renewed focus on operational risks faced by air ambulances, particularly when flying through changing weather systems. While such aircraft are equipped with modern navigation instruments, weather unpredictability can still pose challenges, especially in regions with limited alternate landing options.
Family members of those onboard have been informed, and counseling support is being arranged. Officials have urged patience as search and rescue teams continue operations in the difficult terrain.
Further details are expected once rescue teams fully access the wreckage and aviation authorities begin their formal assessment.
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