Rourkela: Preliminary report of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has pointed to low engine oil pressure and loss of engine power as key factors behind the IndiaOne Air accident near Rourkela on Jan 10. The crash left the pilot, co-pilot and four passengers with grievous injuries. One passenger later died during treatment.According to the report, the crew noticed a gradual drop in engine oil pressure and a corresponding reduction in engine power while the aircraft was airborne, which eventually forced them to attempt an emergency landing. The nine-seater aircraft struck a treetop and a power line during the final approach before crash-landing in a field.Detailing the sequence of events, the AAIB report stated that on Jan 10, IndiaOne Air’s Cessna Caravan aircraft (VT-KSS) was scheduled to operate the Bhubaneswar-Utkela-Bhubaneswar and Bhubaneswar-Rourkela-Bhubaneswar sectors. After completing the Bhubaneswar-Utkela-Bhubaneswar sector, the aircraft took off from Bhubaneswar for Rourkela with four passengers on board.“Approximately 30 nautical miles short of Rourkela, the crew observed low engine oil pressure and began monitoring the parameters. They noticed a downward trend in oil pressure along with a reduction in engine power. After confirming the low oil pressure indications, the crew carried out the non-normal checklist procedures and prepared for an emergency, landing at the nearest suitable site,” the report said.
