A tragic Learjet 45 crash at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026, claimed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others, intensifying calls for aviation transparency.
The mid-sized jet from VSR Ventures crashed at 8:44 AM during its second landing attempt in Pune district. Victims included Pawar’s security officer Vidhit Jadhav, pilot Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, and crew Pinky Mali.
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Civil Aviation Ministry announced Thursday that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will release its preliminary report by February 28, following ICAO 30-day norms. The probe examines wreckage, records, and lab tests under 2025 Aircraft Investigation Rules.
The Digital Flight Data Recorder (L3 Communications) was decoded at AAIB’s New Delhi facility. However, the thermally damaged Cockpit Voice Recorder needs Honeywell support for extraction.
Pressure mounts from the Pawar family. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged possible sabotage on February 10, questioning VSR Ventures’ maintenance. Ajit Pawar’s son Jay Pawar demanded Wednesday an impartial probe, VSR flight ban, and full black box disclosure, citing public rights to truth.
Ministry defended pre-crash DGCA audits of VSR, 51 non-scheduled operator checks in 2025 found all issues closed. A February 4 audit continues, with special VIP operator reviews underway.
Jay Pawar stressed: “Black boxes can’t be easily destroyed.” As families grieve political heavyweight Ajit Pawar, the report looms critical amid factional NCP tensions post-2023 split.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
