Aircraft crash-lands near Rourkela

The crash landing of a small aircraft near Rourkela Saturday has once again drawn attention to air travel safety in India, especially in the wake of the horrific Air India crash in Ahmedabad last year.

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Firefighters douse a blaze after a small aircraft carrying four passengers and two crew members crashed at Jalda near Rourkela

(PTI Photo)

Incidents involving small planes highlight gaps in infrastructure, maintenance oversight and emergency preparedness at regional airstrips. While the rapid response by local authorities and the survival of those on board the nine-seater India One Air (Caravan 208) aircraft underscore the importance of preparedness, prevention still remains paramount. As India expands regional connectivity under ambitious aviation plans, regulators must strengthen safety audits, pilot training standards and surveillance mechanisms to ensure that the growth does not come at the cost of passenger safety.