DGCA and AAIB Teams Conduct Detailed Investigation into Fatal Chatra Air Ambulance Crash
On Wednesday, specialized teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) carried out an extensive and meticulous investigation in the dense forest area of Chatra, Jharkhand. This probe follows the tragic crash of a Redbird Airways Beechcraft C90 (registration VT-AJV) air ambulance on Monday night, which resulted in the loss of all seven individuals on board.
Absence of Black Box Poses Significant Technical Challenges
While the investigative teams refrained from commenting on the presence of a black box, local officials present at the crash site confirmed a critical detail: the 39-year-old aircraft was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) or a flight data recorder (FDR). According to these officials, such systems are not mandatory for aircraft of this age, which is approximately 39 years old. This absence is expected to create substantial technical hurdles in accurately reconstructing the precise sequence of events that led to the devastating crash.
Comprehensive Evidence Collection and Documentation Efforts
The aircraft was operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down in the forested Simaria block of Chatra district. During the investigation, officials thoroughly examined the wreckage, collected various technical components, and gathered other material evidence. They also conducted extensive photography and videography to meticulously document the debris field. Sources indicated that the teams additionally gathered relevant documents from Ranchi as part of their comprehensive evidence collection and technical analysis process.
Alternative Methods to Determine Probable Cause of the Accident
In light of the missing black box, investigators will now need to rely on a combination of alternative sources to determine the probable cause of the accident. These include:
- Air traffic control communication records
- Radar data analysis
- Detailed wreckage analysis
- Eyewitness accounts from the area
Deputy Commissioner Kirtishiree G stated, "Both teams visited the crash site to gather evidence required for a scientific probe. The teams will leave Chatra tomorrow." This underscores the methodical and time-sensitive nature of the investigation aimed at uncovering the factors behind this tragic incident.
