Aviation Ministry Announces Timeline for Learjet Crash Investigation Report
The Ministry of Civil Aviation declared on Thursday that a preliminary report concerning the fatal Learjet crash in Baramati will be made publicly available within thirty days of the tragic incident. The accident claimed the lives of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals.
Investigation Conducted Under Established International Standards
In an official statement disseminated through the Press Information Bureau, the ministry emphasized that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe. This investigation is being carried out in strict compliance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025 and the Standards and Recommended Practices outlined in ICAO Annex 13.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to a thorough and transparent process, stating that the AAIB's work is technical and evidence-based. This involves a systematic examination of the aircraft wreckage, a review of operational and maintenance records, and laboratory testing of components as necessary.
Technical Examination of Flight Recorders in Progress
Providing specific details, the ministry confirmed that the aircraft was equipped with two independent flight recorders. The Digital Flight Data Recorder, manufactured by L3 Communications, has been successfully downloaded at the AAIB's facility located in New Delhi.
However, the Cockpit Voice Recorder sustained significant thermal damage during the crash. As this unit was manufactured by Honeywell, technical assistance has been formally requested from the State of Design and Manufacture, following the protocols established in ICAO Annex 13.
Regulatory Oversight and Special Audits Initiated
In response to the accident, the ministry has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct a comprehensive Special Audit of M/s VSR Ventures, the operator of the ill-fated aircraft. This audit, which commenced on February 4, includes a detailed review of:
- Regulatory compliance and operational control systems
- Maintenance practices and crew training standards
- Safety management systems and flight recorder monitoring
The ministry noted that during the previous year, the DGCA conducted fifty-one regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators. Multiple surveillances of VSR Ventures were carried out across critical areas such as flight safety systems and maintenance compliance, with all identified findings being addressed and closed.
Furthermore, the DGCA has been instructed to perform special audits of other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes involved in VIP and VVIP operations. These audits are being conducted in phases, with appropriate enforcement actions to follow as required.
Political Context and Call for Independent Probe
The ministry's detailed clarification arrives amidst political demands for a separate investigation. Earlier this week, the Nationalist Congress Party formally sought a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the death of Ajit Pawar.
A delegation of senior NCP leaders, including Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar and national working president Praful Patel, submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a CBI-led probe.
The ministry concluded its statement by urging all stakeholders to refrain from speculation and to allow the statutory investigation and regulatory processes to proceed unimpeded according to established procedures. The final report from the AAIB will be issued following the preliminary findings.
