Bhubaneswar: A three-member team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Sunday began investigating the crash landing of a nine-seater aircraft near Rourkela in Sundergarh district on January 10.
At least six people, including two pilots and four passengers, were injured when the Cessna Grand C208B made an emergency landing in an open area near Kansor on Saturday afternoon. The aircraft had departed from Bhubaneswar and declared a ‘Mayday’ to Rourkela ATC before the forced landing at 1:20 pm, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The AAIB team conducted an aerial survey of the crash site using a helicopter provided by the state government. “They have taken photographs from the air and will later inspect the exact location of the crash on the ground,” said Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Department.
The state government has made all arrangements to ensure a smooth investigation, she added, noting that the probe is being carried out according to DGCA guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Odisha’s Directorate of Aviation confirmed that all six injured passengers, including two women, are in “safe and stable” condition. “One passenger remains under close medical observation,” the health bulletin said.
Padhee, who visited Rourkela on Sunday along with the AAIB team and two specialist doctors from Bhubaneswar, said a dedicated medical team is conducting evaluations, and all patients remain under strict supervision.
The Directorate also stated that the Odisha government has provided full support to ensure safety, prompt medical care for the affected individuals, and a thorough investigation by the AAIB.
