Jamshedpur Plane Crash: Eyewitness Helps Recover Bodies After 40-Hour Search Near Chandil Dam

Jamshedpur Plane Crash: The bodies of two pilots have been found following the crash of a Cessna 152 aircraft, with a resident playing a key role in the search efforts.

After more than 40 hours of intense search efforts, the bodies of the trainee pilot and his instructor were found near the Chandil Dam in Jharkhand’s Seraikela Kharsawan district on Thursday. The Cessna 152, which had taken off from Jamshedpur’s Sonari Aerodrome, was reported missing on Tuesday morning.

Rushu Manjhi, an eyewitness from Pyaldih village, provided crucial information that led to the discovery of the bodies. Manjhi described seeing the plane struggling in the air before crashing into the dam. “I saw the plane flying and suddenly, there was no sound. It came very close to the water, then restarted and continued flying briefly before shutting down again and crashing,” Manjhi told The Indian Express. His timely alert to local officials was instrumental in directing search teams to the crash site.

Search Efforts and Recovery: A Coordinated Rescue Operation

The search operation, initially broad, was focused on the Chandil Dam area after Manjhi’s account. The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and the Navy were called in to assist with the search. On Wednesday, search parties found a pair of shoes belonging to one of the deceased in the water, confirming the crash location.

Saraikela Kharsawan Deputy Commissioner R.S. Shukla reported that the body of the trainee pilot was found around 9 a.m. Thursday, while the pilot-in-command’s body was recovered by 3 p.m. The exact debris of the aircraft has yet to be located, but efforts are ongoing.

Aircraft Details: A Routine Flight Turns Tragic

The aircraft, registered as VT-TAJ, had taken off at 10:32 a.m. for a general flying session at an altitude of 2,500 feet. With 80 liters of fuel onboard, it was expected to fly for approximately one hour. However, communication with the Jamshedpur Air Traffic Control (ATC) was lost at 11:10 a.m., sparking an immediate emergency response.

Alchemist Aviation, the training company, confirmed that the aircraft was equipped with an Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT), but it is unclear why the device did not activate. The company stated that the plane was airworthy, with a remaining lifespan of 14,000 hours, and maintained using engines from Lycoming Engines, USA.

Investigation and Future Actions: Ensuring Safety

The crash has raised questions about aviation safety, particularly regarding the malfunction of the ELT. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will likely conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

Mrinal Paul, Managing Director of Alchemist Aviation, noted that while the plane was fitted with safety equipment, its failure to activate automatically will be a key focus of the investigation. “We are looking into why the ELT did not function as intended,” Paul stated.

Community and Official Responses: Mourning and Reflection

The tragic loss of the two pilots has deeply affected the local community and the aviation industry. Friends, family, and colleagues of the deceased are mourning their loss, and there has been an outpouring of support for the families of the pilots. The search and rescue efforts have highlighted the importance of swift and coordinated responses in aviation emergencies.

As the search for the aircraft’s debris continues, authorities remain hopeful that further investigation will provide clarity on the circumstances leading to the crash. For now, the focus is on honoring the memory of the pilots and ensuring the safety of future flights.

Conclusion: A Tragic Incident with Lessons to Be Learned

The Jamshedpur plane crash has been a sobering reminder of the risks associated with aviation, even during routine training flights. With the bodies of the pilots recovered and the investigation underway, there is a collective hope that the lessons learned from this tragic event will contribute to safer flying practices and better emergency preparedness in the future.