Learjet Crash Black Boxes Sustain Fire Damage, Investigation Faces Hurdles
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed on Tuesday that the two independent black boxes recovered from the Learjet aircraft that crashed at Baramati airport, resulting in the tragic death of then Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, have sustained significant fire damage. This development poses challenges for investigators as they work to uncover the cause of the fatal accident.
Data Retrieval Efforts Underway with Manufacturer Support
The AAIB stated that specialized support from the manufacturer has been sought to retrieve data from one of the recorders, specifically the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), manufactured by L3-Communications, was successfully downloaded at the AAIB Flight Recorder Laboratory. This device records critical technical parameters of the flight, including aircraft speed, altitude, and heading.
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), produced by Honeywell, is currently undergoing a detailed technical examination. Assistance has been requested from an accredited representative of the state of manufacture for specialized support in data retrieval. The CVR is designed to capture conversations between the pilots, radio communications with air traffic controllers, and ambient noises within the cockpit.
Intense Heat Exposure During Accident
Both recorders were exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident, leading to the fire damage. On January 28, a Learjet-45 aircraft operated by charter company VSR Ventures crashed during approach and landing at Baramati airport, killing all five individuals on board. While the fire that erupted after the accident left major portions of the fuselage charred, photographs from the accident site indicated that the tail section of the aircraft remained largely intact.
Safety Expert Raises Questions Over Damage
Captain Amit Singh, an air safety expert, raised concerns about the extent of fire damage to the black boxes. "Both the black boxes are installed in the tail section, and that part of the aircraft was largely intact. In fact, cartons and other cargo stored in the tail section can be seen strewn around in the wreckage with hardly any fire damage. So how did the black boxes sustain so much fire damage?" he questioned. Black boxes like the DFDR and CVR are typically encased in metal armor and insulation to survive impact, high temperatures, and pressure.
Political Allegations and Legal Concerns
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut described the damage to the CVR as "mysterious" and "very serious." These comments follow allegations made by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar last week, who hinted at possible conspiracy and sabotage in the crash. Among his allegations against VSR Ventures was a claim that the company's former employees reported regularly keeping the CVR switched off on most flights, which is illegal under aviation regulations.
Awaiting Preliminary Report
The investigation now awaits the preliminary report, which, according to international norms, should be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organisation within 30 days of an accident. As the investigating state, India has the discretion to decide whether to release the preliminary report to the public or keep it confidential. The outcome of this report will be crucial in determining the next steps in the investigation and addressing the questions surrounding this tragic event.
