AAIB Team Initiates Forensic Investigation at Baramati Crash Site After Tragic Incident

A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) arrived at the Baramati crash site on Wednesday evening. They began a forensic investigation into the accident that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The probe will examine technical aspects that led to the Learjet 45 aircraft's crash, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, during its second landing attempt at Baramati's table-top airstrip.

Representative image

The AAIB has been tasked with investigating all accidents involving aircraft weighing 2,250 kg or more, or those with turbojet engines. Earlier in the day, they were assigned to investigate this crash. An AAIB official, speaking anonymously, confirmed their presence at the site but did not provide further details. The investigation aims to uncover the technical reasons behind the tragic incident.

Technical Factors and Weather Conditions

The Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. It crashed while attempting a second landing after a go-around on Wednesday morning. The Civil Aviation Ministry stated that the crew was advised to descend under visual meteorological conditions at their discretion. At that time, winds were calm, and visibility was approximately 3,000 metres.

Baramati airfield lacks an instrumental landing system (ILS), which is crucial for guiding aircraft during poor visibility or adverse weather conditions. This absence may have contributed to the crash. An aviation expert suggested that an ILS could have helped avoid the accident by providing necessary guidance to the pilot during marginal visibility.

Details of the Crash

The aircraft carried Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, attendant, and two cockpit crew members: pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur and first officer Shambhavi Pathak. All five individuals lost their lives when the 16-year-old business jet attempted its second landing after a go-around.

After being cleared for landing on Wednesday morning following a go-around due to poor visibility, the aircraft failed to respond to air traffic control (ATC) instructions. Moments later, it burst into flames at the runway's edge. Baramati has an uncontrolled airfield where traffic information is provided by instructors or pilots from local Flying Training Organisations.

An expert highlighted that Baramati's lack of an instrument landing system might have played a role in this tragedy. Such systems are designed to aid pilots in navigating safely during challenging weather conditions or low visibility situations.

The investigation continues as authorities seek answers to prevent similar incidents in the future. The focus remains on understanding what went wrong technically and how improvements can be made for safer air travel.

With inputs from PTI