Preliminary findings highlight severe weather and lack of flight recorders in the fatal Jharkhand air ambulance crash
April 4, 2026: A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has pointed to adverse weather conditions and the absence of critical onboard recording equipment as major concerns in the fatal air ambulance crash in Jharkhand’s Chatra district. The crash on February 23 killed all seven people on board, including a 41-year-old burn patient, Sanjay Kumar, who was being flown from Ranchi to Delhi for treatment. The aircraft also carried two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, and two attendants.
According to the report, dangerous cumulonimbus cloud formations had developed over Ranchi airport during the day, with thunderstorm activity intensifying by evening. Despite the deteriorating conditions, the aircraft took off at around 7:07 pm after receiving clearance for a route deviation. Soon after departure, the crew contacted Kolkata ATC and requested a change in altitude. Minutes later, both radar and radio contact were lost, and the aircraft eventually crashed in the forested Kasiyatu area. The exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Investigators noted that the aircraft was not equipped with a Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly known as the black box, making it difficult to reconstruct the sequence of events. Wreckage analysis showed that both engines had separated from the wings, and the tail section had broken apart on impact. The Emergency Locator Transmitter also failed to activate. The investigation is ongoing, with fuel samples under testing and ATC records under review. The bureau has also informed international agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the National Transportation Safety Board.