Black box recovered, AAIB begins detailed probe: Govt replies to Maha CMs letter on crash that killed Ajit Pawar
Black box is considered a vital component in air crash investigations, as it records critical flight data and cockpit communications
PTC Web Desk: The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has responded to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s letter seeking information on the fatal aircraft crash in Baramati that claimed the lives of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
In its communication, the ministry confirmed that the aircraft’s black box has been recovered and secured. Officials said the device would play a crucial role in reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the crash. All technical documents, operational data and on-ground evidence from the accident site are currently being examined.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has formally launched a probe into the incident. The ministry said the investigation would be conducted in a comprehensive, transparent and time-bound manner. It also acknowledged the state government’s request to evaluate measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The black box is considered a vital component in air crash investigations, as it records critical flight data and cockpit communications, helping investigators understand both technical performance and crew actions during the final moments of a flight.
The Learjet 45 aircraft crashed on Wednesday morning in Baramati, killing Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, his security officer Vidip Jadhav, pilot-in-command Captain Sumit Kapur, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
Subsequently, the civil aviation ministry released details of the aircraft’s final communication with air traffic control (ATC). According to the statement, the plane attempted to land twice at Baramati airport, which is categorised as an “uncontrolled” airfield. Such airports do not have full-time air traffic controllers and rely on limited ground coordination.
Reports indicate that ATC duties at the Baramati airstrip are handled by pilot trainees from two local flying schools on a rotational basis. During the first approach, the crew reported that the runway was not visible. However, visual contact was later confirmed, following which landing clearance was granted at 8.43 am. Barely a minute later, ATC personnel witnessed the aircraft erupting into flames, the ministry said.
The civil aviation ministry has assured the Maharashtra Government that findings from the investigation will be shared once the probe is completed.