A Beechcraft C90 King Air that was operated by Redbird Airways (and was also involved in a medical evacuation flight) crashed at Kasaria in the Chatra district while on route from Ranchi to Delhi. The aircraft departed at 19:11 on 23 February 2026 and lost radar contact at 19:22 when it was flying at 13,800 feet. Final communications with the Beechcraft C90 King Air were received at 19:34 and occurred near Varanasi. All seven people on board (including two pilots and one patient) died. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu provided his condolences.
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Missing Black Box Explained
Authorities have confirmed that the black box (CVR) and Flight Data Recorders were absent from the aircraft as it was exempt from civil aviation rules (ZAMOS) since it weighs less than 5700 kg. The investigation into the 1987-built aircraft (which had been unused for 4 years) relied upon an ATC log, wreckage analysis and eyewitness accounts as evidence. Furthermore, per industry experts, the installation of optional equipment is rare for these small and young aircraft.
Investigation Focus Areas
Weather radar issues require investigation by probe teams from DGCA & AAIB; the aircraft course also appears to be deviating right due to thunderstorms whereas both Indigo & AI flights turned left. Eyewitnesses suggest there may have been thunderstorm activity accompanying the flight; they noted potential updraft or loss of control. There has been no confirmation from the audit regarding Redbird after their most recent charter crashes. In total, there were 7 persons from DGCA present at the site conducting a detailed examination.
Broader Safety Concerns
A Learjet crash occurred in Baramati, resulting in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducting audits on charter flights. Many questions have emerged around the use of long-grounded airplane for essential operations and the families of those who perished in the crash are requesting justice as well as compensation for their loss. The tragic event has raised concern about gaps within India’s Air Ambulance Service regarding oversight of Light Aircraft.
