Flight data downloaded: AAIB to issue preliminary report on Ajit Pawar’s Baramati plane crash | India News

NEW DELHI: Data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder of Ajit Pawar’s crashed Learjet 45 near Baramati has been successfully downloaded at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s Flight Recorder Laboratory, the ministry of civil aviation said on Thursday, adding that a preliminary report into the January 28 accident will be issued within 30 days in line with ICAO norms and that all investigative actions are being taken with full transparency and professional integrity.Maharashtra Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in the crash.The ministry said the AAIB’s probe is technical and evidence based. It involves systematic examination of wreckage, operational and maintenance records and laboratory testing of components where required.The crashed VSR Ventures-owned Learjet 45 was equipped with a Digital Flight Data Recorder and a Cockpit Voice Recorder. Both devices were exposed to intense heat and sustained fire damage. Data from the DFDR, manufactured by L3-Communications, has been successfully downloaded at AAIB’s Flight Recorder Laboratory.“The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is undergoing detailed technical examination. Assistance has been sought from the Accredited Representative of the State of Manufacture for specialised support in data retrieval,” AAIB said in a statement on February 17.Following the accident, the ministry directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct a special audit of VSR Ventures. The audit covers regulatory compliance, operational control systems, maintenance practices, crew training standards, safety management systems and CVR and FDR monitoring.“The audit commenced on February 4, 2026, and is expected to conclude shortly. Findings will be reviewed, and action will be taken in accordance with DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual,” the ministry said.The regulator has also been asked to carry out special audits of other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes engaged in VIP and VVIP operations. These audits are being conducted in phases and enforcement action will be taken wherever required.In 2025, the DGCA conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators, the ministry said. It added that multiple surveillances of VSR Ventures were carried out in areas including flight safety systems, flight duty time limitations, maintenance compliance, documentation and station facilities, and that all findings were addressed and closed.“Stakeholders are requested to refrain from speculation and allow the statutory investigation and regulatory processes to proceed in accordance with established procedures,” the ministry said, reiterating that all investigative and regulatory actions are proceeding with full transparency and professional integrity.Meanwhile, political reactions intensified with fresh demands for an independent inquiry.Nationalist Congress Party leader Rohit Pawar called for the Aviation Minister to step down, alleging a possible conflict of interest.“The owner of VSR Aviation recently held his son’s wedding in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which was attended by a main leader of the TDP. The Aviation Minister belongs to that party. If they can attend the wedding of the VSR Aviation owner’s son, the investigation may not proceed in the right direction. That is why we believe he should not remain in that post while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.He further said, “Everyone should demand a different kind of inquiry. If everyone conducts a transparent inquiry, we can reach a proper conclusion. So, I welcome that move. Though it is a little late, it doesnot matter. What matters is that the investigation should be done by many organisations and investigation agencies, but along with this, some international agencies should also be involved.”NCP working President Praful Patel also demanded a CBI inquiry into the crash.” After the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar, we should also get information whether every aspect is being investigated in the right direction or not. Today, AAIB is investigating technical matters. I have heard that the black box is also going to America for investigation. Perhaps they have not been able to investigate thoroughly here. The state government has also given the investigation to the CID. But after such a big accident involving such a big leader, we feel that information should be obtained from every aspect. CBI is a reliable organisation. If the investigation is done by CBI, then some facts and aspects should also be taken into account. CBI can do this work.”