Six Injured as Small Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Near Rourkela

At least six people, including four passengers and two crew members, were injured on Saturday after a nine-seater aircraft made an emergency crash landing in an open field about 10 kilometres from the Rourkela airstrip in Odisha. Officials said the incident occurred shortly before the aircraft was scheduled to land, triggering emergency response measures.

The aircraft, a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX operated on a regional route between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar, reportedly developed a serious technical fault mid-air. Moments before landing, the pilot alerted air traffic control about the malfunction, following which emergency protocols were activated.

According to district authorities, the aircraft managed a “soft landing” in a field outside the city, avoiding densely populated areas. The onboard occupants included four passengers and two crew members. While all six survived, the pilot sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for advanced medical treatment. His condition was described as critical, while the remaining injured passengers suffered minor fractures and bruises and are reported to be stable.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed concern over the incident and directed local authorities to ensure that all injured persons receive the best possible medical care. He also asked officials to extend full support to the affected passengers and their families.

Villagers living near the landing site were the first to reach the scene and played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts. They helped pull passengers out of the aircraft before police and medical teams arrived. Soon after, emergency responders from Rourkela, including police personnel and ambulances, reached the site and transported the injured to a government hospital.

Preliminary information suggests that the aircraft’s engine may have stalled mid-air, forcing the pilot to make a quick decision to land on open ground. Aviation experts noted that the pilot’s presence of mind and choice of landing site likely prevented a far more serious disaster, particularly given the proximity of residential areas.

The aircraft, operated by a private firm, is commonly used for regional connectivity flights. Debris from the crash site has been secured, and the area has been cordoned off to facilitate a detailed investigation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to examine the wreckage and flight data to determine the exact cause of the technical failure.

Authorities said further details would emerge after the completion of the official inquiry.