Maharashtra: AAIB Takes Charge of Baramati Plane Crash Investigation in
Maharashtra: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has assumed responsibility for examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. A specialised investigation team departed from New Delhi for Pune on Wednesday to begin a detailed inquiry into the accident that claimed the lives of five people, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Authorities said the team would proceed directly to Baramati after arriving in Pune to inspect the crash site and collect evidence.
Investigation Team Moves Quickly
Officials confirmed that the AAIB team was dispatched within hours of the incident to ensure a timely and thorough assessment. The investigators are expected to coordinate closely with local authorities and aviation regulators as they begin the technical and procedural review. Their initial focus will be on preserving the wreckage and documenting the site before further analysis.
Details of the Fatal Flight
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning during the landing phase of the flight. The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 bearing registration number VT-SSK and operated by VSR. According to preliminary flight information, five individuals were on board at the time of the accident, all of whom lost their lives.
In addition to Deputy Chief Minister Pawar, those on the aircraft included a personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. The pilot-in-command was Sumit Kapur, while Shambhavi Pathak served as the second-in-command. The passenger list identified the other occupants as Vidip Jadhav and Pinky Mali.
Emergency Response at the Crash Site
Emergency services were rushed to the scene shortly after the aircraft went down. Rescue teams and senior security officials reached the crash location in Baramati to secure the area and assist with recovery operations. Authorities indicated that the aircraft appeared to have lost control while approaching for landing, prompting an immediate emergency response.
The site was cordoned off to prevent disturbance of critical evidence. Fire and medical personnel remained on standby as investigators began their preliminary examination of the wreckage.
Role of Aviation Regulators
A team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also arrived at the crash site. DGCA officials are expected to support the AAIB by providing regulatory oversight and technical expertise. Their involvement will include reviewing compliance with aviation safety standards and operational procedures applicable to the flight.
Officials said coordination between the AAIB and DGCA would be essential in establishing a clear sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Identification and Official Confirmation
Sources familiar with the recovery process stated that Ajit Pawar’s body was identified based on personal belongings, including the watch he was wearing. Authorities have not released further details regarding the condition of the remains, citing sensitivity and respect for the families involved.
State officials have expressed condolences and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a transparent investigation.
Focus Areas of the Police Inquiry
The Maharashtra Police confirmed that a parallel examination is underway to support the aviation investigation. Police officials said the exact position and condition of the wreckage would be carefully documented through photographs and measurements to assess the aircraft’s speed, angle, and impact dynamics.
They added that the aircraft’s black box would be a key element of the inquiry. Data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is expected to shed light on the technical performance of the plane and the crew’s actions during the final moments of the flight.
Examination of Technical Records
Investigators will also scrutinise the aircraft’s maintenance history to determine whether it was airworthy before departure. Officials noted that service logs, inspection records, and any reported technical issues would be reviewed in detail as part of the probe.
Authorities said more information would be shared once initial findings are available. For now, officials have urged restraint from speculation as the investigation continues.