MUMBAI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday issued an official note on the aircraft that crashed on 28 January in Baramati, carrying Ajit Pawar, confirming that both the independent flight recorders sustained fire damage.
The note also said that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is carrying out a detailed investigation into the accident involving the Learjet 45 aircraft VT-SSK.
The investigation is being strictly conducted in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 and the international standards and recommended practices of ICAO Annexe 13.
“The aircraft was equipped with two independent flight recorders. Both recorders were exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident and sustained fire damage,” the note read.
It further added that the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), manufactured by L3-Communications, has been successfully downloaded at the AAIB Flight Recorder Laboratory.
“The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is undergoing detailed technical examination. Assistance has been sought from the Accredited Representative of the State of Manufacture for specialised support in data retrieval,” the note stated.
The AAIB is diligently following all prescribed technical and procedural protocols to ensure a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based investigation.
The Bureau remains fully committed to transparency and will share further information at the appropriate stage of the investigation.
The AAIB respectfully requests all stakeholders to avoid speculation and allow the investigation process to proceed in accordance with established procedures.
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar died in a Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) plane crash along with the pilot, co-pilot, crew member and security guard.