A dramatic emergency landing in Odisha on Saturday turned into a miraculous escape for six people aboard a small aircraft, after it scraped a high-tension power line. Officials confirmed that a mid-air electrocution was a significant risk for the four passengers and two crew members of the IndiaOne Air flight.
The Harrowing Incident and Lucky Escape
The single-engine Cessna Caravan aircraft, en route from Bhubaneswar, was forced to make an emergency landing in a field approximately 10 kilometers from the Rourkela airport. The cause was an engine failure. During the descent, the plane's exposed landing gear made contact with a high-tension wire.
In a stroke of fortune, the aircraft's tyres absorbed the massive electrical shock. A senior official revealed that this prevented the plane from catching fire, which could have been catastrophic. Instead of the fuselage or a wing hitting the live wires, the tyres made the critical contact just before touchdown, ultimately saving the lives of everyone on board.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
All six individuals, including the two captains, sustained injuries but survived the ordeal. Two of the passengers, receiving treatment at a hospital in Rourkela, were airlifted to Mumbai on Sunday for advanced care.
Authorities have swiftly launched a probe into the incident. Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the investigation. On Sunday, officials from AAIB, accompanied by Odisha's Transport Secretary Usha Padhee, visited the accident site.
Their activities included:
- Documenting the scene with photographs and videos.
- Examining the plane, its parts, and surrounding debris.
- Interviewing local villagers who were first responders and rushed to aid the survivors.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has pledged full support to the investigating agencies. The airline, IndiaOne Air, which focuses on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, stated it is cooperating fully with the aviation regulators and the Odisha government.
Broader Implications and Safety Focus
This incident highlights the acute dangers associated with emergency landings outside of designated airport zones, especially in areas crisscrossed by power infrastructure. The successful outcome, despite the grave risks, underscores the importance of pilot training and aircraft design.
The investigation will likely focus on the cause of the engine failure and the flight path during the emergency descent. The findings will be crucial for India's regional aviation sector, which is expanding rapidly to serve smaller cities. Ensuring safety in unforeseen circumstances remains a paramount challenge for airlines and regulators alike.
