Karnataka Plane Crash: Charter Aircraft Loses Engine in Vijayapura

February 8, 2026

A private charter aircraft belonging to Red Bird Aviation crashed in Vijayapura district of Karnataka on Sunday after suffering an engine failure mid-flight, officials confirmed. The light aircraft was on a routine training or transfer flight when the engine reportedly malfunctioned, forcing the pilot to make an emergency descent near Mangaluru village in Babaleshwar taluk. Authorities and rescue teams reached the crash site shortly after the incident was reported.

Flight Details and Crash Circumstances

The aircraft, identified as a training or private charter plane, was travelling from Kalaburagi to Belagavi when the engine developed a technical problem, according to preliminary official statements. The malfunction reportedly led to a loss of power, compelling the pilot to attempt a crash landing in an open field to avoid potential harm to people and property on the ground.

Local police and emergency services were alerted soon after the crash and responded promptly. Officers from Babaleshwar Police Station cordoned off the area and coordinated with medical teams to support the injured.

Injuries and Medical Response

Two individuals were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash the captain and a trainee pilot. Both sustained serious injuries in the incident. Paramedics and medical personnel on site provided immediate first aid before transporting the injured to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Police said that the injuries were being treated as serious but did not provide specific details on their current condition.

Officials confirmed that no fatalities were reported at the time of the initial response, and the focus shifted to stabilising the victims and safeguarding the area.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a formal probe into the crash to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and whether any procedural or mechanical lapses contributed to the accident. Aviation safety experts emphasise that while emergency landings due to technical failures can sometimes be executed successfully, rigorous investigation is essential to prevent recurrence.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and local police are expected to compile a detailed report after examining the wreckage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing maintenance records. The investigation will also assess compliance with safety norms and regulatory standards by the operating company.

Local Reaction and Safety Concerns

Residents near Mangaluru village, where the aircraft came down, reported hearing a loud noise followed by the sound of impact. The rapid arrival of police and rescue teams helped secure the scene quickly, amid concerns about potential hazards like fire or fuel leakage.

Officials have urged caution and cooperation from locals to allow investigators room to conduct their work and to avoid speculating until formal findings are released. They also reiterated the importance of stringent safety protocols for training and private charter flights, especially in areas near villages and fields where an emergency landing might be required.