Aviation – Questions Intensify Over Baramati Plane Crash Investigation
Aviation – Jay Pawar, the younger son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has called for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the aircraft accident that claimed his father’s life last month. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he raised concerns about what he described as potential serious lapses surrounding the crash and urged authorities to uncover the full sequence of events.
Demand for Transparent Inquiry
The Learjet 45XR aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, crashed near the Baramati airstrip on January 28, killing Ajit Pawar and four others on board. Since the tragedy, questions have continued to surface regarding operational procedures and safety compliance.
In a message shared on social media, Jay Pawar said the people of Maharashtra deserve complete clarity about the circumstances of the accident. He pointed out that flight recorders, commonly referred to as black boxes, are designed to withstand severe impact and fire, suggesting that crucial data should be retrievable. He stressed that the truth behind the crash must be made public in a transparent manner.
Call for Action Against Aviation Firm
Alongside seeking a detailed investigation, Jay Pawar also demanded a ban on VSR Ventures Private Limited, the company that operated the ill-fated jet. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial examination of the company’s operations, safety practices, and any possible irregularities.
According to him, if lapses are found during the inquiry, strict action must follow to ensure accountability and to prevent similar incidents in the future. His appeal reflects growing public concern about aviation safety standards and regulatory oversight.
Political Leaders Seek Central Probe
The issue has also taken on political significance. A day before Jay Pawar’s statement, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, along with leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. During the meeting, they formally requested that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be entrusted with the probe into the crash.
The demand for a CBI inquiry signals the seriousness with which party leaders are approaching the matter. They have emphasized the need for an investigation that is independent and free from any doubts about impartiality.
Technical Challenges in Data Retrieval
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the technical probe, has stated that it has sought specialized assistance to extract data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the Learjet 45XR. The CVR, along with the Flight Data Recorder, forms the aircraft’s black box system and is crucial for reconstructing the final moments before the crash.
Officials indicated that advanced technical support was necessary to retrieve and analyze the stored recordings. The findings from these devices are expected to play a central role in determining the sequence of events and identifying any mechanical, operational, or human factors involved.
Allegations and Pilot’s Record Under Scrutiny
Earlier, Rohit Pawar, an NCP (SP) MLA and nephew of the late Ajit Pawar, publicly raised concerns about the possibility of sabotage. He called for a multi-agency investigation involving aviation and forensic experts to rule out any foul play.
At a press conference last week, Rohit Pawar also questioned the professional record of Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. He referred to the pilot’s past suspension for three years due to alcohol-related issues and said this history warranted closer examination as part of the ongoing probe.
Authorities have not confirmed any conclusions regarding the cause of the accident, and investigations remain underway. As technical assessments continue and political demands grow louder, the focus remains on establishing facts and ensuring accountability.