A nine-seat aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air was compelled to carry out an emergency landing near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday after the crew issued a MAYDAY alert mid-flight. The incident resulted in injuries to all six people on board, though officials said timely action by the pilots prevented a major disaster.

The aircraft, a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B with registration VT-KSS, was operating flight IOA102 and had departed Bhubaneswar around 12.25 pm with two pilots and four passengers. While approaching Rourkela, the crew alerted air traffic control at 1.14 pm about an emergency situation. Soon after, communication with the aircraft was lost.

At approximately 1.20 pm, the plane made a controlled forced landing in an open field near Jalda/Kansor, roughly 15 to 20 kilometres before its intended destination at Rourkela airport.

Pilots’ Action Prevents Fatalities

Authorities credited the pilots’ swift and controlled manoeuvre for averting loss of life. Emergency teams from the district administration reached the site shortly after the landing and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.

According to officials, three passengers are receiving treatment at JP Hospital, while the two pilots and one passenger were admitted to Rourkela Government Hospital. All six injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition and under medical supervision.

Investigation Underway

The incident has been formally reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). In line with aviation norms, the airline will submit a detailed incident report to aid the investigation.

The Odisha Directorate of Civil Aviation said it is closely tracking developments and providing assistance through the local administration. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reviewed the situation and instructed officials to ensure full support for the injured and cooperating agencies.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena confirmed that all those on board are stable and urged the public to remain calm, assuring that measures are being taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

IndiaOne Air is expected to release an official statement regarding the incident.