Skip to content

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

WhatsApp Channel

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Contact Us

Search

Aviation Today News Desk

Retired U.S. Air Force Pilot Arrested For Allegedly Training Chinese Military SEO DES: Prosecutors allege Brown went to China in Dec 2023, stayed until Feb 2026, training PLAAF pilots & briefing them on US Air Force tactics, breaching ITAR laws SOCIAL: A retired U.S. Air Force officer, Gerald Eddie Brown Jr., 65, has been arrested and charged with providing unauthorized military training to members of the Chinese military, the U.S. Department of Justice said on 25 February 2026. Arrested in Indiana, he faces charges under the Arms Export Control Act for supplying defense services without a State Department license. Prosecutors allege Brown traveled to China in December 2023 and stayed until early February 2026, where he trained People’s Liberation Army Air Force pilots and briefed them on U.S. Air Force operations and tactics, violating export control laws under ITAR. A former Major with 24 years of service, Brown previously flew and instructed on several fighter jets, including the F-35. The FBI and Air Force Office of Special Investigations are probing the case, which officials describe as a serious national security concern. Washington, United States: A retired U.S. Air Force officer and combat pilot has been arrested and charged for allegedly providing and conspiring to provide defence training to members of the Chinese military without authorisation, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced in a press release on 25 February 2026. Gerald Eddie Brown, Jr., 65, a U.S. citizen known by the call sign “Runner,” was arrested in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and was expected to make his initial appearance before a Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana on 26 February 2026. Brown has been charged under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) for providing prohibited defence services to foreign military personnel without a required license from the U.S. State Department. According to the DOJ, Brown “provided and conspired to provide defence services to Chinese military pilots without authorisation,” in violation of U.S. law. Prosecutors say the training he offered falls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which require U.S. persons to obtain a licence from the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls before providing any military training or assistance to foreign nationals or foreign military units. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasised that Brown was trained by the U.S. Air Force to defend the nation, a role his alleged conduct now reverses. “When U.S. persons, whether military or civilian, provide training to a foreign military, that activity is illegal unless they have a licence from the State Department,” Eisenberg said. “The National Security Division will use all tools at its disposal to protect our military advantages and hold to account those who would violate the AECA.” FBI officials also highlighted the national security implications of the case. Roman Rozhavsky, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, stated that Brown’s conduct allegedly aided efforts by the Chinese government to “modernize China’s military capabilities” by exploiting the expertise of former U.S. service members. Rozhavsky added that this arrest is intended to serve as a warning to others who might collaborate with U.S. adversaries. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia also condemned the alleged conduct, saying Brown “broke his oath” and “jeopardized the safety of our servicemembers and allies” by offering his training services overseas. Brown served over 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1996 at the rank of Major. His military career included commanding sensitive units with responsibility for nuclear weapons delivery systems, leading combat missions, and serving as a fighter pilot and simulator instructor on multiple aircraft including the F-4 “Phantom II,” F-15 “Eagle,” F-16 “Fighting Falcon,” A-10 “Thunderbolt II” and the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. After leaving active duty, Brown worked as a commercial cargo pilot and later as a contract simulator instructor training U.S. military pilots. According to the criminal complaint, Brown began making arrangements in August 2023 to contract with Chinese military personnel for combat aircraft training, using a co-conspirator to negotiate with Chinese national Stephen Su Bin who previously pled guilty in U.S. federal court in 2016 to conspiring to hack into defence contractor networks to steal sensitive data. Su Bin and his company were added to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List in 2014. Brown allegedly travelled to China in December 2023 to begin the training work and remained there until early February 2026. Once in China, prosecutors say he conducted extensive briefings on U.S. Air Force operations, answered questions about U.S. military tactics, and trained People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) pilots. The DOJ’s announcement explicitly links Brown’s case to an earlier prosecution of a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot, Daniel Edmund Duggan, who was charged in 2017 with similar violations. Duggan was arrested in Australia in October 2022 and is awaiting extradition to the U.S. on comparable AECA charges for providing defence services to the Chinese military. In recent years, U.S. and allied security agencies have warned that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army continues to pursue current and former Western military personnel to bolster its capabilities, a trend that has drawn warnings from NATO and U.S. military leadership about safeguard obligations even after service members retire. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office, with assistance from its Louisville, Indianapolis and Los Angeles field offices, as well as the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Prosecution is being handled by attorneys from the DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with support from the Southern District of Indiana.

Retired U.S. Air Force Pilot Arrested For Allegedly Training Chinese Military

February 27, 2026

REX Saab 340 Turboprop Flight Diverts To Parkes Airport After Mid-Air Engine Issue SEO DES: At about 13,000 feet, the crew detected an electrical fault on the right side of the aircraft, accompanied by abnormal engine (right) readings SOCIAL: A Regional Express Saab 340B operating Flight ZL6469 from Griffith to Sydney diverted to Parkes Airport on February 22 after the crew shut down the right engine due to electrical and abnormal engine indications at 13,000 feet. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 04 about 75 minutes later with no injuries reported. The Saab 340B (VH-RXE) returned to service roughly 36 hours after inspections. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified and is reviewing the occurrence to determine whether a formal investigation is required. Image: Bidgee (wikimedia) Video: Rex Parkes, Australia: A Regional Express (REX) Saab 340B turboprop flight was forced to divert and make an unscheduled landing at Parkes Airport (NSW) on February 22 after the crew shut down one of its engines following electrical and engine indications. Flight ZL6469, operating from Griffith to Sydney, was at around 13,000 feet when the crew detected an electrical fault on the right side of the aircraft, accompanied by abnormal engine readings from the No. 2 (right) General Electric CT7-9B engine. Following standard safety procedures for engine and systems abnormalities, the pilots elected to shut down the affected engine mid-flight and declared a diversion to the nearest suitable airport. The twin-engine turboprop then entered holding patterns south of Parkes before descending and landing safely on Runway 04 approximately 75 minutes after the issue was first identified. All passengers and crew disembarked without injury, with emergency response teams on standby as a precaution. The aircraft involved in the incident, registered VH-RXE, is part of REX’s Saab 340 fleet, a workhorse on Australia’s regional network. Following the diversion, the aircraft was taken out of service for detailed inspection and maintenance checks and was returned to scheduled service roughly 36 hours later, according to operational updates. In line with aviation safety protocols, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been made aware of the occurrence and awaits additional technical data from the operator before determining whether a formal investigation will be undertaken. Officials have indicated that such decisions hinge on further review of flight data and systems information provided by REX. In-flight engine shutdowns, while uncommon, are addressed in flight crew training and aircraft certification standards. Twin-engine turboprop aircraft such as the Saab 340 are designed to maintain controlled flight and safe landings on a single functioning engine when necessary.

REX Saab 340 Turboprop Flight Diverts To Parkes Airport After Mid-Air Engine Issue

February 26, 2026

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways delivered its strongest financial and operational performance in the airline’s history for the full year 2025, marking robust growth, network expansion and enhanced customer experience, the carrier announced on 24 February 2026. The Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier reported a profit after tax of AED 2.6 billion (US $698 million), a 47 % year-on-year increase compared with 2024. This marked the airline’s fourth consecutive year of profitability and reflected sustained demand across global markets. Etihad carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, up 21 % year-on-year, supported by a 21 % increase in capacity and available seat kilometres (ASK) of 111.5 billion. Passenger load factor improved to 88.3 % (+2 percentage points), illustrating strong demand across its international network. Total revenue rose 21 % year-on-year to AED 30.7 billion (US $8.4 billion), driven by both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger revenue jumped 24 % to AED 25.8 billion (US $7.0 billion), while cargo revenue increased 8 % to AED 4.5 billion (US $1.2 billion), supported by higher capacity and cargo volumes that grew 9 % to more than 700,000 leg tonnes. Operating performance strengthened significantly. EBITDA climbed 37 % year-on-year to AED 6.3 billion (US $1.7 billion), resulting in a 20 % EBITDA margin (+2 percentage points). Etihad’s profit margin improved to 8.4 % (+1.5 percentage points), more than double the global airline industry average of 3.9 %, according to IATA estimates. Strong cash generation remained a hallmark of the year, with operating cash flow approaching AED 8.0 billion (more than US $2 billion). This enabled the airline to fully fund its capital expenditure requirements and reduce debt. Etihad expanded its operating fleet to 127 aircraft, the largest in its history, with 29 aircraft added during 2025. The enlarged fleet supported growth across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. The airline’s network grew from 94 to 110 destinations, bolstering global connectivity and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a major aviation hub. Etihad’s growth helped drive tourism to Abu Dhabi. Point-to-point traffic rose by 900,000 passengers to 5.5 million compared with 2024, while the stopover visitor count more than doubled to 170,000. The airline accounted for approximately 50 % of total passenger growth across UAE carriers in 2025, highlighting its central role in the nation’s air travel sector. Etihad continued investing in customer experience with product upgrades across cabins, digital enhancements and expanded services. Overall net promoter scores improved year-on-year. The airline also received more than 25 international awards for customer experience, safety and operational performance. Throughout 2025, Etihad welcomed more than 3,200 new employees and promoted around 2,200 staff, including new cabin crew and pilots, further strengthening its operational capabilities. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “2025 has been a defining year for Etihad, delivering our strongest performance across every key metric and marking our fourth consecutive year of profitability. These results confirm that our strategy is working, growing sustainably, strengthening our financial position, and continuing to deliver a high-quality experience for our guests.” With a strengthened financial position, an expanded fleet and a broader global footprint, Etihad enters 2026 poised for continued growth, deeper market penetration and ongoing contribution to Abu Dhabi’s economic and tourism strategies.

Etihad Airways Marks The Strongest Growth In Airline’s History With 2.6B Profit In 2025

February 26, 2026

U.S. Military Aircraft Strikes Road Barrier During Philippine Training; Five Injured SEO DES: Pilot and two crew were hospitalised after the crash one was discharged others stable & Two others were treated on site, No civilians were injured SOCIAL: A U.S. military transport aircraft struck a concrete barrier while taking off from a roadway during a contingency training exercise in Pangasinan province, injuring all five American personnel aboard. Three were taken to hospital, with one later discharged and others in stable condition, while two were treated at the scene. No civilians were hurt. The exercise, conducted under U.S.-Philippines defense cooperation agreements, involved practising takeoffs and landings from alternate sites such as roads. Authorities from both countries have launched an investigation into the incident. Laoac, Philippines: A United States military transport aircraft struck a concrete barrier while taking off from a roadway during a contingency training exercise in the northern Philippines on Tuesday, injuring all five American personnel aboard, Philippine officials confirmed. The incident took place on a concrete bypass road in Laoac town, located in Pangasinan province, a designated alternate landing and take-off zone used for joint training operations. According to local police reports, the pilot and two other U.S. service members were transported to a hospital for further treatment following the accident. One of the hospitalized personnel has since been discharged, while the other remains in stable condition, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said in a brief statement. The remaining two crew members were treated at the scene for minor injuries, Philippine authorities said. No Philippine civilians were hurt in the incident, and the aircraft sustained noticeable damage. The flight was part of a routine contingency training exercise, designed to practise landing and taking off from alternate landing zones such as roads and highways. These drills aim to ensure preparedness for situations where conventional airports or runways are inaccessible for instance, after natural disasters like typhoons or earthquakes. Philippine officials noted that the exercise had been planned and fully coordinated with local civilian, police, and military authorities. The cause of the aircraft’s deviation and collision with the road barrier remains under investigation. Philippine and U.S. military authorities have not yet released detailed findings or a timeline for when a final report is expected. Under the framework of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement and a mutual defense treaty, U.S. forces regularly conduct joint training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance interoperability, humanitarian response capability, and regional security cooperation. In recent years, military cooperation between the two countries has expanded, including larger exercises focused on territorial defense and freedom of navigation, particularly in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims and maritime tensions involve China and several Southeast Asian nations.

U.S. Military Aircraft Strikes Road Barrier During Philippine Training; Five Injured

February 26, 2026

Turkish Air Force F-16 Crashes In Balikesir After Losing Radar Contact, Pilot Killed SEO DES: Shortly after takeoff, radio & radar contact was lost with the jet. Search teams were deployed & Wreckage was later found near the İzmir-Istanbul highway SOCIAL: A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed shortly after takeoff from the 9th Main Jet Base Command in Balikesir in the early hours of Wednesday, killing the pilot. Authorities lost radio and radar contact with the aircraft minutes after departure at 12:56 a.m., and search teams later located the wreckage near the İzmir-Istanbul highway in Karesi district. The Ministry of National Defence confirmed the pilot’s death and launched a formal crash investigation. The Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has also opened a judicial probe, with officials examining flight data, communications records and wreckage evidence. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Balikesir, Turkey: A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in the early hours of Wednesday near the northwestern province of Balikesir, killing the pilot and prompting a formal investigation into the cause of the incident, officials confirmed. The jet, assigned to the 9th Main Jet Base Command, took off from Balikesir at 12:56 a.m. local time (2156 GMT on Tuesday). Shortly after departure, defence officials reported loss of radio communication and radar tracking with the aircraft. Search and rescue teams were dispatched immediately, and the wreckage was located later at the crash site. The Ministry of National Defence stated in an official message that the pilot was martyred in the crash, offering condolences to the family. The ministry added that the cause of the accident will be determined after a comprehensive investigation carried out by a dedicated crash examination team. Local authorities reported that debris from the aircraft was scattered over a wide area near the İzmir-Istanbul highway in Balikesir’s Karesi district, particularly around the Naipli locality. Emergency services, including security forces, fire brigades and medical personnel, were deployed to manage recovery efforts and secure the site. Portions of the highway were temporarily closed to civilian traffic during initial response operations. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed that the Balikesir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a judicial investigation into the crash. Prosecutors, including the chief and deputy chief public prosecutors, were reported to be on site alongside technical investigators. The probe will examine all available evidence, including flight data, communications records, and wreckage analysis. Turkish authorities have not yet released details on potential causes for the crash, such as mechanical failure, environmental conditions or human factors. A full technical analysis by the crash investigation team is expected to take time, with further updates likely once preliminary findings are available. Balikesir Governor Ismail Ustaoğlu visited the crash scene and publicly extended condolences, reiterating that the pilot had been killed. Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, along with other senior government officials, issued tribute statements recognizing the sacrifice of the fallen pilot. Members of the Grand National Assembly also expressed condolences on social media and in statements to the press. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a mainstay of the Turkish Air Force and widely used for air defence, ground support and training missions. Military aviation accidents, while relatively rare, carry high operational and training risks due to complex flight profiles.

Turkish Air Force F-16 Crashes In Balikesir After Losing Radar Contact, Pilot Killed

February 25, 2026

U.S. House Rejects ROTOR Act After Pentagon Pushback Over Deadly D.C. Crash Reforms

February 25, 2026

SpiceJet Delhi-Leh Flight Makes Emergency Return After Engine Snag, All 150 Onboard Safe SEO DES: At around 9,000 ft, sparks were seen from the right engine, indicating a No.2 engine issue and prompting the crew to halt the climb and return to Delhi SOCIAL: A SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 operating flight SG-121 from Delhi to Leh made an emergency return to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after takeoff after the crew detected a technical issue with one engine during the initial climb. Authorities declared a full emergency as a precaution, and the aircraft landed safely around 6:55 a.m. All approximately 150 passengers and crew disembarked normally, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection. Image: Nisarg Vyas (Flickr) Video: SpiceJet New Delhi, India: A SpiceJet aircraft operating on the SG-121 Delhi–Leh route made an emergency return to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) early Tuesday morning after the flight crew detected a technical malfunction in one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-700 jet, carrying approximately 150 passengers and crew, departed Delhi at about 6:21 a.m. IST but initiated an immediate air return within minutes of takeoff when indications of a problem with engine number two emerged. Airport officials confirmed that a “full emergency” was declared at IGI to ensure all runway and rescue units were positioned for a potential unscheduled landing. Fire tenders, ambulances, and medical teams were on standby as standard safety procedures were executed. Despite the onboard alert, there were no fire warnings in the cockpit, according to a statement released by SpiceJet. The flight crew reported the technical anomaly to Air Traffic Control and returned to the departure airport without further incident. The aircraft landed safely at IGI at around 6:55 a.m. IST, with all passengers disembarking normally. There were no injuries reported, and airport operations resumed shortly thereafter. A SpiceJet spokesperson reiterated that the decision to return was a precautionary measure following the technical issue. “The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and all passengers disembarked normally,” the airline said in its official comment. Preliminary flight tracking data indicates the jet had begun its climb and had reached approximately 9,000 feet when sparks were observed from the right-hand engine, prompting the flight crew to halt the ascent and return to Delhi. The Delhi-Leh route is among India’s more challenging due to high altitude terrain and stringent operational standards. Airlines typically maintain strict maintenance protocols to mitigate technical risks on such segments.

SpiceJet Delhi-Leh Flight Makes Emergency Return After Engine Snag, All 150 Onboard Safe

February 25, 2026

Pawan Hans Helicopter Crashes Into Sea After Technical Malfunction, All Onboard Safe SEO DES: A suspected technical malfunction forced the pilot to make emergency landing about 300 metres short of the runway; DGCA & Coast Guard Launched a probe SOCIAL: A Pawan Hans Ltd helicopter carrying seven people, including two crew members, crashed into the sea near Mayabunder, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, on February 24, 2026, shortly before landing. All occupants were rescued safely and taken to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital for evaluation, with four passengers kept under observation and no life-threatening injuries reported. Preliminary findings indicate a suspected technical malfunction forced the pilot to execute a controlled emergency landing about 300 metres short of the runway. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Indian Coast Guard have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India: A Pawan Hans Ltd helicopter carrying seven people, including two crew members, crashed into the sea near Mayabunder in the North and Middle Andaman district on Tuesday morning, February 24, 2026. All seven occupants were rescued safely, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operating inter-island services for the central public sector undertaking, went down in the Indian Ocean shortly before its scheduled landing at Mayabunder around 9:30 a.m. local time. Local rescue teams and maritime responders reached the site promptly after the helicopter entered the water. All five passengers and both crew members were recovered from mid-sea and taken to Dr Rajendra Prasad Hospital in Mayabunder for medical evaluation and treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that four of the passengers, Rajita Devi, her infant Kamal Ch. Das, Sipra Saha, and Nambi Amma remain under observation and receiving care. Authorities said the two pilots and the remaining passenger were stable, with no life-threatening injuries reported so far. According to officials, the flight had taken off from Sri Vijaya Puram at approximately 8:45 a.m. for Mayabunder, following a previous leg from Port Blair. The helicopter was scheduled to land around 9:30 a.m., but encountered serious trouble shortly before touchdown. A preliminary inquiry by civil aviation authorities indicated the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction prompting the pilot to execute a controlled emergency landing approximately 300 metres short of the runway. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Indian Coast Guard have initiated an investigation into the incident. Statements from the pilot and crew are expected to form part of the inquiry once medical assessments are complete. A spokesperson for Pawan Hans Ltd described the mishap as a “short landing incident” near Mayabunder and confirmed that all occupants were accounted for and evacuated safely. The company reaffirmed that all necessary safety protocols were followed during the emergency response. A senior civil aviation official reiterated that initial findings point to a suspected technical issue aboard the helicopter, and that investigators are working to determine the exact cause.

Pawan Hans Helicopter Crashes Into Sea After Technical Malfunction, All Onboard Safe

February 24, 2026

Delta Flight Returns To Savannah After Engine Failure Sparks Grass Fire At Airport SEO DES: With 179 passengers & 6 crew onboard the jet declared an emergency & landed safely, fire crews put out the fire with no injuries reported SOCIAL: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 operating as Flight 1067 returned to Savannah shortly after takeoff on Sunday evening following a left-engine failure that sparked a grass fire near the runway. The aircraft, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, declared an emergency minutes after departing and landed safely at approximately 7:12 p.m. No injuries were reported. Local fire agencies quickly contained the blaze, and airport operations resumed without major disruption. Delta arranged a replacement aircraft for passengers, resulting in a delay of about nine hours. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the engine failure. Image: Acroterion (Wikimedia) Video: CNN Savannah, United States: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 operating as Flight 1067 from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Atlanta was forced to return to its departure airport Sunday evening after suffering a left-engine failure shortly after takeoff, an event that also ignited a large grass fire beside the runway, officials and air traffic recordings confirm. The aircraft, registered N942DZ, lifted off at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time when the crew declared an emergency moments later, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) information and air traffic control audio. In the recording, controllers observed flames and asked the crew if they were “everything okay?” The pilot responded: “We lost the left engine straight out here for Delta 1067.” Shortly afterward, the controller notified another aircraft on the ground to stand clear, saying, “we’re going to get a fire truck out there, that whole taxiway is on fire.” Follow-up exchanges made clear the blaze was linked to the engine failure, with the controller stating: “When the engine blew, it set the whole grass on the left side of the airport on fire.” Local fire agencies responded immediately to the grass fire, which burned near the airport perimeter. Agencies involved included Garden City Fire-Rescue, the Savannah Fire Department, Pooler Fire-Rescue, airport fire services, and the 165th Airlift Wing Fire Department, working jointly under a mutual aid agreement. The fire was brought under control in roughly 15–30 minutes, and officials reported that other runway operations were not significantly disrupted once the area was secured. Flight 1067, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, circled and returned to Savannah, landing safely back on runway 28 at about At 7:12 p.m. There were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. After the aircraft came to a stop, occupants deplaned normally at the gate. In a statement, Delta Air Lines confirmed the event, describing it as a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s left engine that necessitated the return. The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety was its highest priority and said it was working to reaccommodate affected travelers on alternate flights. According to aviation tracking logs, a replacement Boeing 737-900 later transported the displaced passengers to Atlanta with an approximately nine-hour delay. The FAA has confirmed it is investigating the incident. Preliminary reports point to a loss of thrust on the left engine during initial climb, with emergency procedures followed onboard and by air traffic control. The agency has not yet released final findings. Videos shared on social media show large rings of fire in the grass alongside the runway and a thick orange haze in the sky as powerful winds buffeted the scene. Some passengers interviewed afterward said the flight crew remained calm, briefing passengers about the situation and pointing out fire crews staged for the aircraft’s return.

Delta Flight Returns To Savannah After Engine Failure Sparks Grass Fire At Airport

February 24, 2026

Redbird Airways Air Ambulance Crashes In Jharkhand’s Chatra Forest, All 7 Onboard Killed SEO DES: Officials confirmed all seven fatalities, including two pilots, a doctor, paramedic, attendants and a burn patient being transported for advanced treatment SOCIAL: An air ambulance operated by Redbird Airways crashed in the forested Simaria area of Chatra district, Jharkhand, on February 23, killing all seven people onboard. The Beechcraft C90 (VT-AJV) had departed Ranchi for Delhi at 7:11 pm and lost Kolkata ATC and radar contact about 20 minutes after takeoff amid reported bad weather. A radar replay indicated the last contact at 7:22 pm, around 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi, with no subsequent contact with Varanasi or Lucknow ATC. Wreckage was later found in dense forest terrain, complicating rescue efforts. Officials, including the Chatra Deputy Commissioner and police, confirmed all seven fatalities, including two pilots, a doctor, paramedic, attendants and a burn patient being transported for advanced treatment. The DGCA and AAIB have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Chatra, India: An air ambulance flying from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in the forested terrain of Simaria in Jharkhand’s Chatra district on the evening of February 23, killing all seven people on board, officials confirmed. The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 (VT‑AJV) operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd on a medical evacuation mission, departed Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 7:11 pm IST, bound for Delhi. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft established contact with Kolkata Air Traffic Control (ATC) at around 7:34 pm, about 20–23 minutes after take‑off. Shortly after that, it lost both communication and radar contact. After losing contact with Kolkata, VT-AJV did not come in contact with either Varanasi air traffic control (ATC) or the Lucknow ATC. A Varanasi radar replay was carried out, following which the last radar contact was recorded at 7:22pm, it was approximately 100 nautical miles south‑east of Varanasi before the aircraft went off radar. Local administration and police launched search and rescue operations once the aircraft was reported missing. The wreckage was located in the Kasaria/Bariatu Panchayat area of Simaria, deep within a densely forested region of Chatra district. The site posed significant challenges due to rough terrain, slowing initial access by rescue teams, officials said. Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G told news agency PTI that all seven occupants were killed in the crash. Sub‑Divisional Police Officer Shubham Khandelwal confirmed to PTI that all seven bodies have been recovered from the site. Ranchi Airport Director Vinod Kumar, speaking to PTI, said the aircraft lost ATC contact roughly 20 minutes after take‑off and that inclement weather was being investigated as a possible factor. Sources and official statements confirmed the identities of the victims: Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat – Pilot‑in‑Command Captain Savrajdeep Singh – Co‑Pilot Sanjay Kumar (41) – Patient; resident of Chandwa, Latehar district; burn injuries (65 %) Dr. Vikas Kumar Gupta – Medical doctor Sachin Kumar Mishra – Paramedic Archana Devi – Attendant Dhuru Kumar – Attendant The air ambulance was transporting Sanjay Kumar for advanced treatment in Delhi, having been treated at Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi after sustaining severe burn injuries. Initial reports from officials and residents in the crash region described stormy weather, strong winds and rainfall at the time of the incident. Authorities suggest that adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the loss of contact and eventual crash, but stressed that the exact cause will only be determined after a formal investigation. The DGCA has stated that an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team has been dispatched to the site to begin a detailed probe into the circumstances leading to the accident. The investigation will include analysis of flight data, radar logs and weather conditions at the time of the crash. Redbird Airways was founded by Akshay Kumar in 2018 and received its air operator permit to serve non-scheduled flights (charters and air ambulances) in August 2019. The company provides air ambulance services round the clock for medical evacuation, according to its website. It said the aircraft comes with advanced life-saving equipment, including doctors, attendants, etc. As per information available on the official website of Redbird Airways, the operator maintains a fleet of seven aircraft, including the King Air C90 that was involved in the crash in Chatra on Monday night. The company’s fleet comprises the Embraer Legacy 600, Dassault Falcon 2000, Hawker 850XP, Beechcraft Premier 1, Cessna Citation III-650, Cessna Citation XL560, and the King Air C90. Political leaders and public figures have expressed condolences. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren took to social media to extend sympathy to the families of the deceased and prayed for strength in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Redbird Airways Air Ambulance Crashes In Jharkhand’s Chatra Forest, All 7 Onboard Killed

February 24, 2026

« Previous Page1 … Page12 Page13 Page14 Page15 Page16 … Page95 Next »

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

About Us
Contact Us
Services
Advertise
FAQ

Navigate

Latest News
Civil Aviation
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training

General Support

info@aviationtoday.in

News Desk Support

news@aviationtoday.in

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

© Copyright 2026 Aviation Today. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

Search

About Us
News
Pilot Training
Civil Aviation
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube