At least six passengers were injured, with one seriously, when a nine-seater aircraft had to make an emergency landing in a field around 10 km from the Rourkela airstrip in Odisha. The incident occurred after the IndiaOne Air aircraft, which was on a regular regional connectivity service from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar, experienced a technical issue shortly after take-off.
The pilot of the aircraft sustained severe injuries and was promptly taken to the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) Hospital for medical attention, while the other passengers suffered minor injuries and were also admitted to the same hospital for treatment. Reports indicate that there were a total of seven passengers on board the aircraft.
Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, mentioned that the pilot executed a belly-landing on grassland near Jalda in the Raghunathpali area to avoid a residential area. Minister Jena expressed gratitude that the passengers only sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition, averting a potential major tragedy.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his concern over the incident and instructed the authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care. He emphasized the need for immediate medical assistance to the victims and personally oversaw the situation. The injured individuals were initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to RSP Hospital in Rourkela for specialized treatment.
Local residents quickly responded to the scene to assist in rescue operations after the aircraft safely landed on a grass surface. Prasanna Pradhan, the Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed about the incident, as media reports indicated damage to the aircraft’s fuselage and shearing off of its nose-gear, although the wings remained intact.
This incident contributes to the growing concerns regarding aviation safety in the country, following previous incidents like the Air India crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025 and recent technical diversions. Industry experts have highlighted a significant shortage in regulatory oversight personnel. An official investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to commence shortly to determine the specific cause of the mechanical malfunction.
