Ranchi-Delhi Air Ambulance Crashes 20 Minutes After Takeoff: All 7 Died
An air ambulance carrying a critically injured patient from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed in Chatra district of Jharkhand, killing all seven people on board.
A 41-year-old man from Chandwa died along with six others after an air ambulance carrying him to Delhi crashed in a forested area of Chatra district in Jharkhand on 23 February 2026.
Sanjay Kumar had suffered burn injuries on around 65 per cent of his body and was in critical condition. He had been undergoing treatment at a hospital in Ranchi since 16 February. Doctors and his family later decided that he needed advanced treatment available only in New Delhi. As his condition was serious, they arranged for an air ambulance instead of travelling by road.
On the evening of 23 February, Sanjay was shifted to Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi. The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 operated by a private company, took off at around 7.11 pm for Delhi. On board were two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants and the patient.
Shortly after take-off, the flight made initial contact with air traffic control in Kolkata as per normal procedure. Around 7.34 pm, the pilots reportedly requested a change in route due to strong winds, thunder, heavy rain and lightning. Soon after that, communication was lost and the aircraft disappeared from radar.
Residents near a forest area in Chatra later reported hearing a loud sound and seeing smoke rising from the jungle. Police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and located the wreckage after moving through difficult terrain. All seven persons on board were found dead.
Sanjay’s family members said they had chosen the air ambulance believing it was the safest way to get him urgent medical care. Local leaders also expressed condolences over the tragedy.
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have started an investigation. They are examining weather conditions, communication records and aircraft data to find out the exact cause of the crash. While early indications suggest bad weather may have played a role, authorities said the final conclusion will be known only after a detailed probe.
