Bhubaneswar: A possible fuel leak and subsequent engine snag were suspected to have been behind the aircraft crash that took place in Odisha’s Rourkela in January this year, as per a preliminary probe report.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Civil Aviation Ministry, which is probing the plane crash, has released the preliminary report about the mishap IndiaOne Air’s Cessna Caravan aircraft.
As per the AAIB findings, fuel had been getting exhausted from the aircraft before it reached Rourkela. This critical issue is believed to have caused engine malfunction and ultimately led to the crash on January 10, sparking widespread concern.
The report further mentions that the pilot of the small aircraft had issued a distress “Mayday Call” shortly before the crash, indicating awareness of a serious in-flight emergency. While the exact technical failures are still under detailed scrutiny, the preliminary assessment indicates fuel system failure as a triggering factor.
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. The AAIB report attributes the crash to an engine malfunction caused by oil leakage, which led to power loss.
