The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report regarding the India One Air crash that took place in Rourkela on January 10, 2026. The report confirms that the accident occurred due to a sudden loss of engine power and low oil pressure mid-flight. While initial information suggested that all occupants were safe, the official investigation has now confirmed that one person lost their life and three others were injured in this tragic incident.
What caused the emergency landing?
According to the findings, the flight crew noticed a drop in engine oil pressure and a reduction in power while flying from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. The pilots, Captain Naveen Kadanga and Captain Tarun Srivastava, immediately declared a ‘Mayday’ situation and looked for a spot to land safely. They first tried to land on a dry river-bed but had to abandon that plan because the aircraft was flying too low.
The crew then selected an open field that looked clear of obstacles. However, during the final approach, the plane hit the top of a tree and a nearby powerline. The pilots tried to avoid the wires, but the aircraft had already lost too much height and crashed into the ground. The nose and front section of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208BEX suffered major damage.
Investigation details and next steps
The AAIB is leading the inquiry into the crash and has secured the Pratt & Whitney engine for a detailed technical examination to understand why it failed. International experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and TSB Canada are also assisting in the probe. The government has stated that the final report is expected within a year, by January 2027.
Investigators have recovered the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) from the wreckage. The data has been successfully downloaded and is currently being analyzed in New Delhi. The authorities have also seized all maintenance records and technical logs of the aircraft to check for any lapses in safety protocols.
