The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report on the Rourkela plane crash involving India One Air’s Cessna Caravan aircraft.
The report outlines how the flight developed technical issues before its emergency landing attempt.
On January 10, 2026, the aircraft operated four scheduled sectors—Bhubaneswar–Utkela–Bhubaneswar and Bhubaneswar–Rourkela–Bhubaneswar. During its final leg to Rourkela, the crew noticed a drop in engine oil pressure about 30 nautical miles from the destination. They monitored the readings and observed a steady decline in oil pressure and engine power.
The crew followed non-normal checklist procedures and secured the engine. They issued a mayday call to Rourkela Air Traffic Control, informing that they would attempt an emergency landing at the nearest suitable site. After assessing terrain options, they initially aimed for a dry riverbed but shifted to an open field due to insufficient altitude.
During the final approach, the aircraft struck a treetop and a nearby powerline before hitting the ground. The AAIB report attributes the crash to an engine malfunction caused by oil leakage, which led to power loss.
