A month after Ajit Pawar’s death in an aircraft crash at Baramati, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report, flagging low visibility and safety gaps at the airfield.
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 also died in the crash, which happened as the chartered aircraft was attempting a second emergency landing at Baramati airport.
According to the report, wind conditions were calm at the time of the crash and visibility was 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). The CVR sustained thermal damage, and technical assistance from Honeywell, its manufacturer, is being sought to recover the data.
The United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has appointed an Accredited Representative along with technical advisers to assist in the investigation, as per ICAO Annex 13 requirements. The 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 assistance from the NTSB.
The AAIB said initial statements of operator personnel and other individuals have been collected and are being examined along with other evidence. Records and information from other stakeholders are also being scrutinised. The wreckage has been shifted to a secured location for detailed examination. Documents related to airworthiness, operations and flight safety have been seized for further analysis.
In its recommendations, the AAIB asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enhance landing aids and basic meteorological (MET) facilities at such airports, especially those handling a large number of non-scheduled, private and charter flights, including VIP operations.
It also recommended that the DGCA examine the feasibility of licensing such aerodromes for safe and regulated operations. The bureau further suggested that operators conducting VFR flights to uncontrolled airfields strictly follow standard operating procedures, and that flying operations be allowed only when weather conditions meet DGCA norms.
The investigation in the Baramati crash case is ongoing.
