Ranchi air-ambulance crash: Aircraft was 39 years old with 6,600 flying hours

On the night of February 23, a tragic air ambulance crash occurred in the Chatra district of Jharkhand, claiming the lives of all onboard. The aircraft, a seven-seater, was on a medical evacuation mission from Ranchi to Delhi when it went down. Preliminary investigations revealed that the aircraft was 39 years old and had accumulated approximately 6,600 flying hours. Such an age and flight history raise concerns regarding the safety and maintenance protocols of older aircraft, especially those used for crucial medical services. The incident has prompted authorities to review regulations governing air ambulances, ensuring that safety standards are rigorously enforced to prevent future tragedies. The local community is mourning the loss, while discussions continue about improving air travel safety, particularly for emergency medical services that play a vital role in saving lives across the country.