Preliminary Report Released on Baramati Plane Crash Involving Ajit Pawar
A preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has shed light on the tragic plane crash near Baramati that resulted in the deaths of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The report highlights critical visibility issues at the time of landing and outlines recommendations for improving safety measures at airports lacking instrument landing capabilities. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced meteorological facilities and a review of airport licenses to ensure safe flight operations. This incident raises significant concerns about aviation safety protocols in the region.
| Feb 28, 2026, 19:54 IST
Initial Findings from the Plane Crash Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) submitted its preliminary report on Saturday regarding the plane crash near Baramati, which resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. According to the report, the crew of VT-SSK inquired about visibility as they approached Baramati, to which the control tower indicated a visibility of 3000 meters based on visual markers. Furthermore, while granting landing permission, the tower stated that the wind conditions were calm. However, the visibility reported at the time of landing was significantly below the minimum required for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations, which is 5000 meters (5 km).
Details on Flight Recorders and Recommendations
The report noted that both flight recorders, namely the Solid-State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR) and the Solid-State Cockpit Voice Recorder (SSCVR), were located at their original positions in the rear section of the wreckage. These recorders have been retrieved from the debris for data recovery and further analysis. The AAIB's report emphasized that all flights landing at airports without instrument landing capabilities must adhere to established protocols. It also directed the DGCA to ensure infrastructure upgrades for safe flight operations and to review the licenses of such airports.
Recommendations for Enhanced Safety Measures
The report recommended that the DGCA take necessary measures to enhance basic meteorological (MET) facilities and landing assistance at these airports, especially considering the high volume of chartered flights, including VIP operations. It suggested that the DGCA assess the feasibility of licensing these airports to ensure safe and regulated flight operations.
Crash Incident Overview
On Wednesday morning, a Learjet 45 crashed just 200 meters from the edge of the tabletop runway in Baramati, where Pawar (66) and four other passengers aboard the flight from Mumbai lost their lives.