AAIB Assumes Control of Baramati Aircraft Crash Investigation
In the aftermath of the tragic chartered aircraft crash in Baramati that claimed the lives of five individuals, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially taken over the investigation into the incident. Simultaneously, the Maharashtra state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is expected to conduct an inquiry into the accidental death case registered with Pune Rural Police.
Timeline and Details of the Fatal Crash
The ill-fated flight involved a Learjet 45 aircraft, with registration VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. It was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when the accident occurred. All five occupants, comprising two crew members and three passengers, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft crashed at the end of the runway of Baramati airport between 8:45 am and 8:50 am on Wednesday.
Eyewitness accounts describe the final moments as harrowing, with reports indicating the aircraft was making unusual noises during landing before sliding off the runway and erupting into a massive explosion. The crash triggered a significant fire on the debris, which locals attempted to extinguish before fire tenders arrived to control the blaze.
Emergency Response and Initial Actions
Upon receiving information about the crash, multiple police teams from Baramati and nearby stations were dispatched to the location. The site was secured with cordon tape within an hour. Local residents had already retrieved the bodies of the deceased by the time the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency teams reached the scene. The bodies were subsequently sent to a hospital for formalities.
A team from the Regional Forensic Sciences Laboratory also arrived to secure the crash site for evidence collection. Top officials, including Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date, visited Baramati in the early afternoon, while thousands of people from across Pune and Maharashtra began arriving at the location.
Police and AAIB Investigation Protocols
A senior officer from Maharashtra police clarified the procedural aspects, stating, "An accidental death (AD) case has been registered with Baramati police station under Pune Rural Police. This is standard procedure for any accident. Given the high-profile nature of this incident involving a senior public office holder, the Maharashtra CID is likely to conduct the inquiry, with an official order expected from the government."
The officer emphasized that while the police will prepare a comprehensive report of known facts, the actual crash investigation falls solely under the AAIB's domain. The findings from the AAIB probe will be incorporated into the police report to ensure a thorough understanding of the incident.
AAIB Investigation Methodology
Explaining the AAIB's approach, a former official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation outlined the steps involved in such probes:
- Immediate deployment of investigators to the crash site upon notification
- Collection and preservation of perishable evidence that might be lost over time
- Detailed mapping of impact terrain and wreckage analysis
- Comprehensive photography and videography of the site
- Retrieval of recorded data from on-board systems, air traffic control, and radar stations
- Analysis of meteorological records and collection of samples from the location
Based on this evidence, the AAIB will prepare a detailed report to determine the cause of the crash.
Context and Aftermath
The aircraft was on a campaign trip for upcoming Zilla Parishad polls, with voting scheduled for February 5 and results on February 7. The journey from Mumbai to Pune was intended for four election rallies, highlighting the political significance of the flight.
Pune Rural police deployed substantial forces, including personnel from neighboring districts and home guards, to manage the crowds and maintain order at the crash site. As investigations proceed, authorities are focused on uncovering the precise circumstances that led to this devastating accident.
