Month after Ajit Pawar's death, probe flags Baramati safety gaps at airfield

A month after Ajit Pawar's death, aircraft probe body flags low visibility, safety gaps at Baramati airfield

A month after Ajit Pawar’s death in an aircraft crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has flagged low visibility and safety gaps at the Baramati airfield in its preliminary findings, while also seeking international technical assistance to analyse crucial flight data.

According to the preliminary report, wind conditions at the time of the crash were calm, with visibility recorded at 3 kilometres. Moments before the crash, the pilots were heard saying, “Oh Shit, Oh Shit,” as captured on the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which has sustained thermal damage.

Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar died after his aircraft crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Baramati airport. The two pilots and Ajit's two security personnel (1 PSO and 1 attendant) also died in the crash, which happened as the chartered aircraft was attempting a second emergency landing at Baramati airport.

The AAIB said technical assistance from Honeywell, the manufacturer of the CVR, is being sought due to the thermal impact on the device. Additionally, the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has appointed an Accredited Representative along with technical advisers to participate in and assist with the investigation, in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 requirements.

The preliminary report stated that data from the Solid State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR) has already been downloaded and is being analysed. The data from the Solid State Cockpit Voice Recorder (SSCVR) will be downloaded with the assistance of the NTSB as per the Standards and Recommended Practices of ICAO Annex 13.