Odisha Plane Crash: Aircraft Nosedives Near Rourkela After Mid-Air Snag, 6 Injured

Bhubaneswar: A small nine-seater aircraft flying from Bhubaneshwar to Rourkela crashed on Saturday afternoon, injuring six people. The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Odisha confirmed the crash landing, saying the pilot, soon after noticing a technical snag in the system, tried to land it on belly seeing a grassland, saving all the passengers, although he himself sustained injuries.

During the time of the crash, seven people, including the pilot, were on-board the aircraft.

The plane operates under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said, “The pilot went for crash landing at a plain field 10 km before the runway." He added, “The plane slightly nosedived. There is minor damage to fuselage but the wings are intact.”

The reason for the technical snag is not known yet. An investigation will be carried out into the matter soon.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that he has directed the best medical services to be provided to injured people.

In a post on X, the CM said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the plane crash that occurred in Rourkela. The news that all passengers are safe by the grace of Lord Jagannath is reassuring. I have directed that immediate best medical services be provided to those injured in this incident. I am personally monitoring the situation. I am praying at the feet of Lord Sri Jagannath for the swift recovery of all.”

This is a developing story.