7 fatalities

2026-02-23: Beechcraft 90 King Air (VT-AJV) — Redbird Airways — Simariya, India

Simariya, IndiaFlight

On February 23, 2026, a Beechcraft 90 King Air (registration VT-AJV) operated by Redbird Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Simariya, India in flight. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781188212Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on an ambulance flight from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed near Simariya after an uncontrolled descent. All seven occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

A twin-engine airplane operating an ambulance flight crashed near Simariya, India, after departing from Ranchi-Birsa Munda Airport. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident, and all seven occupants were killed.

Sequence of Events

The airplane departed Ranchi-Birsa Munda Airport at 1911 local time on a flight to New Delhi. On board were five passengers and two pilots. Approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the crew contacted Kolkata Control Center to request a rerouting due to poor weather conditions. Shortly thereafter, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed in a flat attitude in a forested area near Simariya.

Occupants

Crew members were identified as pilots Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Swarajdeep Singh. Passengers included Sanjay Kumar, Archana Devi, Dhuru Kumar, Dr. Vikas Gupta (doctor), and Sachin Mishra (paramedic).