Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 28: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has formally assumed responsibility for probing the tragic plane crash in Baramati that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. A specialised AAIB team has departed from Delhi and is expected to proceed to Baramati after landing in Pune to begin a detailed on-ground investigation.
The fatal accident occurred on Wednesday morning when a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR, lost control during the landing phase. All five individuals on board were killed in the crash.
Those who lost their lives include deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, a personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. The passengers have been identified as Vidip Jadhav (male) and Pinky Mali (female). The flight crew comprised Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak, according to official flight records.
Soon after the crash, emergency responders and senior security officials rushed to the site in Baramati. Rescue teams were deployed immediately after the aircraft went down, though there were no survivors.
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have also reached the crash location to assist in the technical investigation. Sources indicated that Ajit Pawar’s body was identified through the wristwatch he was wearing at the time of the accident.
The Maharashtra Police stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. Officials said the position and condition of the wreckage would be closely examined and documented to assess the aircraft’s speed, angle of impact, and overall flight dynamics at the time of the accident.
Investigators will also analyse the aircraft’s black box to evaluate its technical performance and airworthiness during the flight. The cockpit voice recorder is expected to provide crucial insights into the pilots’ communication and decision-making in the final moments before the crash. In addition, all maintenance and service records of the aircraft will be scrutinised as part of the probe.
Authorities said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.