Flight data downloaded: AAIB to issue preliminary report on Ajit Pawar’s Baramati plane crash | India News

New Delhi: Data from the digital flight data recorder of Ajit Pawar’s Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati has been successfully downloaded to the Flight Recorder Laboratory of the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau, the civil aviation ministry said on Thursday, adding that a preliminary report will be issued by January 30 and a preliminary report on the accident by January 28. That all investigative steps are being taken with complete transparency and professional integrity.Four people including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were killed in the accident.The ministry said the AAIB’s investigation was technical and evidence-based. It involves systematic examination of debris, operational and maintenance records and laboratory testing of essential components.The crashed Learjet 45, owned by VSR Ventures, was equipped with a digital flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder. Both devices were exposed to intense heat and suffered lasting damage from the fire. Data from the DFDR produced by L3-Communications has been successfully downloaded to AAIB’s Flight Recorder Laboratory.“The cockpit voice recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is undergoing detailed technical testing. Assistance is sought from the manufacturer’s state-recognized representative for specific assistance in data recovery,” the AAIB said in a February 17 statement.After the accident, the ministry directed the director general of civil aviation to conduct a special audit of VSR Ventures. The audit covers regulatory compliance, operational control systems, maintenance practices, crew training standards, safety management systems and CVR and FDR monitoring.“The audit began on February 4, 2026, and is expected to be completed soon. The findings will be reviewed, and action will be taken as per DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual,” the ministry said.The regulator has been asked to conduct special audits of other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes engaged in VIP and VVIP operations. These audits are being conducted periodically and enforcement action will be taken where necessary.In 2025, DGCA conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-schedule operators, the ministry said. It added that multiple surveillances of VSR Ventures were carried out in various areas including flight safety measures, flight duty time limitation, maintenance compliance, documentation and station facilities and all inquiries were resolved and closed.“Stakeholders are requested to refrain from speculating and allow statutory investigations and regulatory processes to proceed as per established procedures,” the ministry said, adding that all investigative and regulatory actions are proceeding with complete transparency and professional integrity.Meanwhile, the political backlash has intensified with renewed demands for an independent inquiry.Nationalist Congress Party leader Rohit Pawar has called for the resignation of the aviation minister, alleging a potential conflict of interest.“The owner of VSR Aviation recently held his son’s wedding in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, where a prominent TDP leader was present. The aviation minister belongs to that party. If they can attend the wedding of VSR Aviation owner’s son, the investigation cannot go in the right direction.” That is why we believe he should not hold that position while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.He further said, “Everyone should demand a different type of investigation. If everyone conducts a transparent investigation, we will reach a proper conclusion. So, I welcome that step. Although it is a little late, it does not matter. What is important is that the investigation should be done by many agencies and investigative agencies, but also involve some international agencies.”NCP working president Praful Patel also demanded a CBI probe into the accident.“After the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, we should also get information whether every aspect is being investigated in the right direction. Today AAIB is investigating the technical issues. Heard that the black box is also going to America for investigation. Perhaps they could not investigate thoroughly here. The state government has also given CID the task of investigation. But after getting such big information we should feel that such a big accident has happened. From every aspect. CBI is a reliable agency. If CBI investigates, certain facts and aspects should also be taken into consideration. CBI can do this.”