Emergency Landing After Technical Snag
A nine-seater private aircraft crash-landed near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday afternoon, injuring six people, including the pilot and co-pilot. Notably, the incident occurred around 1.30 pm after the aircraft developed a technical problem shortly after take-off. As a result, the flight crew decided to make an emergency landing. The plane came down in farmland near Katibandha Kansara, narrowly avoiding a major tragedy.
Officials said the aircraft belonged to IndiaOne Airlines. Meanwhile, local residents rushed to the site after hearing a loud noise. Fortunately, the pilots maintained control during the landing, which reduced the impact and prevented fatalities. Emergency responders reached the area soon after.
Flight Details and Crew Response
The single-engine Caravan 208 aircraft, bearing registration VT-KSS, had taken off from Bhubaneswar at 12.27 pm. It was flying to Rourkela with two pilots and four passengers onboard. However, the aircraft flew only four to five kilometres before the crew detected the snag. Therefore, the pilots chose to force-land the plane near Jalda rather than attempt a return.
According to the Odisha government, the pilots acted decisively and professionally. Consequently, all lives were saved despite the crash-landing. Officials praised the crew for following safety procedures under pressure. In addition, authorities confirmed that the aircraft did not hit any houses or people on the ground.
Mayday Call and Airline Statement
IndiaOne Air said the flight crew declared a Mayday soon after identifying the technical issue. Subsequently, they followed standard aviation safety protocols. As a precaution, the pilots selected an open area near Kansor, around 15–20 kilometres short of Rourkela, for the landing. The aircraft touched down at approximately 1.20 pm.
Meanwhile, the airline said it is working closely with aviation regulators and the Odisha government. Moreover, it has assured full support to the injured passengers and crew. Officials will also conduct a technical inspection to determine the exact cause of the snag.
Rescue Operations and Safety Measures
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar said rescue teams shifted all six injured persons to a local hospital in Rourkela. Currently, doctors are monitoring their condition. Meanwhile, police, fire services and district officials secured the crash site.
However, aviation fuel began leaking from the aircraft after the landing. Therefore, authorities cordoned off the area and restricted entry as a safety measure. Overall, officials said swift coordination between the pilots, rescue teams and local administration prevented a serious disaster.
— Zoom Chronicle News
