Preliminary report into Baramati crash out: Low visibility, operational gaps cited | India News

MUMBAI: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on the fatal Learjet 45XR crash in Baramati on Saturday, January 28, highlighting operational gaps in low visibility, lack of basic meteorological facilities and uncontrolled airfields. All five on board were killed, among them the then Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., was on an unscheduled passenger flight from Mumbai to Baramati. The accident occurred at around 0846 IST during landing. The jet was carrying two pilots, a cabin attendant and two passengers.Reports state that Baramati Airfield does not have MET facilities. Weather parameters such as wind, temperature and QNH are passed from a temporary tower using available instruments, while visibility is assessed through visual markers identified by flying training organizations. On the morning of the accident, the tower rated visibility from the minimum 5 km required for VFR operations to about 3,000 meters. METAR data from Pune showed visibility between 2,000 and 2,500 meters in the relevant window.The first approach to runway 11 resulted in a go-around. During the second approach, the crew reported the field in sight and was cleared to land. The aircraft later emitted an “Oh St… Oh St…” before crash-landing to the left of the runway 11 abeam threshold. It struck trees and terrain about 50 meters from the edge of the runway and burst into flames. The cockpit and cabin were destroyed.Solid-state flight data recorder downloaded. The cockpit voice recorder, which sustained thermal damage, will be analyzed with the help of the US National Transportation Safety Board and the manufacturer.In its interim safety recommendations, the AAIB said:“It is recommended that the DGCA may issue necessary directives to all operators who conduct VFR flights at uncontrolled airfields to strictly adhere to the prescribed standard operating procedures. Also, necessary instructions may be issued to all aerodrome operators/organizations responsible for conducting aerodrome services at unregulated airfields to ensure that flying operations (including non-scheduled/private/charter operations) at aerodromes are permitted only when the prevailing MET conditions are within the criteria of DCA.““It is recommended that DGCA may issue specific instructions to all stakeholders responsible for operation and maintenance of unregulated airfields to ensure maintenance of required safety standards at airports for safe operation of aircraft. Compliance can be checked during audit/surveillance.”“It is recommended that the DGCA may take necessary measures to improve landing aids with basic MET facilities at these airports to accommodate the large number of non-scheduled/chartered flights (including VIP flights) operated at these airports in addition to flying training activities.”“It is recommended that the DGCA may examine the feasibility of licensing these aerodromes to conduct safe and regulated flying operations.”Investigation is ongoing.