Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Nearly a month after the tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the investigation has entered a critical stage. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is preparing to release its preliminary findings, while the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has assured the public that every step of the probe is being carried out with full transparency and professional integrity.
The Learjet 45 aircraft, owned by VSR Ventures, crashed on January 28, triggering shock and grief across political and administrative circles in Maharashtra. Since then, investigators have been working meticulously to piece together what went wrong during the ill-fated flight.
Central to the investigation are the aircraft’s two critical recording devices — the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), commonly referred to as black boxes. Both recorders were recovered from the wreckage but had been exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period, resulting in significant fire damage. Despite the damage, officials confirmed that data from the DFDR, manufactured by L3-Communications, has been successfully downloaded at AAIB’s Flight Recorder Laboratory. The information retrieved is now under detailed analysis.
The CVR, manufactured by Honeywell, is undergoing a more complex technical examination. Authorities have sought specialised assistance from the accredited representative of the country where the recorder was manufactured to help retrieve audio data. Investigators believe that cockpit conversations captured in the final moments before impact could provide crucial clues about whether technical failure, human error, or environmental factors contributed to the crash.
As per International Civil Aviation Organisation norms, a preliminary report must be issued within 30 days of the accident. Officials indicated that this report will outline initial findings based on the evidence gathered so far. However, determining the probable cause of the crash will require a much more detailed evaluation of the wreckage, maintenance logs, operational procedures, crew training records, and laboratory testing of damaged components. The final report is expected only after this comprehensive process is completed.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a special audit of VSR Ventures. The audit began on February 4 and includes a thorough review of regulatory compliance, operational control systems, maintenance practices, flight duty limitations, safety management systems, and monitoring procedures related to flight recorders. Officials stated that any lapses identified during the audit would invite enforcement action as per established policy guidelines.
Beyond VSR Ventures, the regulator has also been directed to conduct special audits of other major non-scheduled operators engaged in VIP and VVIP operations across the country. The ministry emphasized that these audits are being carried out in phases and are part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation safety oversight.
Meanwhile, Jay Pawar, the younger son of Ajit Pawar, has demanded a thorough investigation into what he described as possible serious lapses behind the crash. He stressed that aircraft black boxes are designed to withstand extreme conditions and questioned how such crucial evidence could be severely damaged. His statement has added emotional weight to public demands for clarity and accountability.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has appealed to the public and stakeholders to refrain from speculation while the statutory investigation proceeds. It reiterated that the probe is technical and evidence-based, involving systematic examination rather than assumptions. The ministry also highlighted that in 2025 alone, the DGCA conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators, underscoring ongoing oversight efforts within the aviation sector.
As the preliminary report nears release, the focus remains firmly on uncovering the truth behind the crash. The findings will not only determine the cause of one of Maharashtra’s most high-profile aviation tragedies but will also test the strength and credibility of India’s aviation regulatory framework. For now, investigators continue their painstaking work, while the nation awaits answers.