A small passenger aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Odisha on Saturday afternoon, resulting in injuries to six individuals. The incident occurred near the industrial city of Rourkela, sending shockwaves through the regional aviation sector.
Emergency Landing in an Open Field
The aircraft involved was a nine-seater Cessna Grand Caravan EX, bearing registration VT-KSS. It was operating a scheduled flight from the state capital, Bhubaneswar, to Rourkela. According to initial reports, the pilot issued a Mayday distress call after the plane encountered a technical snag mid-air.
Facing the emergency, the crew skillfully executed a forced landing in an open field near Jalda village. This location is approximately 10 to 20 kilometres from Rourkela. The emergency manoeuvre was completed around 13:20 Indian Standard Time.
All Onboard Safe, Minister Confirms Details
Miraculously, all occupants survived the harrowing incident. Onboard the aircraft were four passengers and two crew members. Each of them sustained minor injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Officials have confirmed that everyone is now safe.
Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister, B.B. Jena, addressed the media regarding the crash. He provided crucial reassurance, stating that the event was not a major accident. The swift response from local authorities helped manage the situation effectively post-landing.
Investigation Launched, Airline Background
The regulatory body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been formally informed about the incident. State officials are also scheduled to visit the crash site to assess the situation firsthand. For a detailed probe, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will conduct a thorough investigation into the causes behind the forced landing.
The operator of the flight was IndiaOne Air, a Scheduled Commuter Operator headquartered in Bhubaneswar. The airline commenced operations in 2022 with a focus on enhancing regional connectivity within Odisha and to neighbouring states. This incident marks a significant challenge for the relatively new carrier.
The crash-landing highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in regional aviation. While the outcome in this case was fortunate, it will undoubtedly lead to renewed scrutiny of maintenance procedures and operational checks for small aircraft services in the region.
