Multiple Fatal Crashes Prompt Widespread Indian Aviation Safety Audits
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
A series of fatal plane crashes in India, including an air ambulance and a chartered jet, has triggered urgent DGCA and AAIB investigations into safety.
Key Takeaways
- •Highlights five major fatal aviation incidents in India across 2025-2026.
- •Triggers special safety audits of non-scheduled operators by India's DGCA.
- •Involves multiple high-level investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
- •Raises concerns over aircraft maintenance and operational standards in the region.
A recent series of fatal aviation accidents has placed India's air safety record under intense scrutiny, prompting broad regulatory action. The latest incident, the crash of an air ambulance in Jharkhand on February 23, 2026, which killed all seven people on board, has amplified concerns over operational standards and aircraft maintenance within one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.
The string of accidents across different sectors of Indian aviation—including scheduled commercial, charter, and medical transport—has triggered multiple high-level investigations. The events are now compelling India's aviation authorities to conduct widespread safety audits, particularly targeting non-scheduled aircraft operators, and to re-evaluate safety protocols nationwide.
Jharkhand Air Ambulance Crash
The most recent tragedy involved a Redbird Airways air ambulance that crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district. According to an official statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Beechcraft C90 aircraft went down on the evening of February 23, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all 7 occupants, including a patient, medical personnel, and two pilots. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly after departing from Ranchi. While Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G noted the crash was likely caused by a thunderstorm, she emphasized that the exact cause will be determined by a detailed investigation, which the DGCA has initiated.
Baramati Charter Jet Crash
Less than a month earlier, on January 28, 2026, a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed at Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, killing all five people on board, including the state's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, reportedly crashed during a second landing attempt amid poor visibility. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), an independent body under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the probe. According to Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, a preliminary report on the incident is expected by February 28, 2026. The crash has also drawn allegations of foul play from Pawar's nephew, who has called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged maintenance irregularities, including the presence of extra fuel tanks.
Air India Flight 171 Catastrophe
These incidents follow one of India's deadliest air disasters in recent memory. On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The accident resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on the aircraft and 19 individuals on the ground. A preliminary report from the AAIB indicated that the aircraft's fuel control switches were mysteriously moved to the 'cutoff' position, causing both engines to shut down. Due to the involvement of a U.S.-manufactured aircraft, the investigation is being assisted by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Regulatory Response and Systemic Audits
The succession of fatal accidents has forced a decisive response from Indian regulators. The DGCA has initiated a special safety audit of VSR Ventures following the Baramati crash. More broadly, the government has launched a nationwide inspection of approximately 400 uncontrolled airstrips to establish uniform operating standards. The DGCA is spearheading these efforts to ensure all non-scheduled aircraft operators comply with stringent safety regulations. The AAIB continues its formal investigations into the probable causes of the Baramati, Ahmedabad, and other serious incidents to identify systemic failures and issue safety recommendations.
Other notable incidents in the 2025-2026 period include the crash of an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show on November 21, 2025, which killed the pilot, and a forced landing by an IndiaOne Air Cessna 208 near Rourkela on January 10, 2026, which resulted in one fatality.
Why This Matters
This cluster of fatal accidents poses a significant challenge to the reputation of India's aviation sector at a time of rapid expansion. The incidents highlight potential systemic weaknesses in regulatory oversight, particularly for smaller, non-scheduled operators. The resulting investigations and safety audits by the DGCA and AAIB will be critical in restoring public confidence and ensuring that safety standards keep pace with the industry's growth.
For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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