Ministry of Civil Aviation Provides Update on Baramati Aircraft Crash Investigation
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a significant statement on Thursday regarding the ongoing investigation into the tragic plane crash at Baramati airport. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals, sending shockwaves across the state and the nation.
Investigation Progress and Recovery of Critical Evidence
In its official communication, the ministry emphasized that the probe into the Learjet 45 aircraft crash is advancing with urgency and precision. The black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been successfully recovered, marking a crucial step in determining the cause of the accident. This device contains vital flight data and cockpit voice recordings that are essential for investigators.
The ministry stated clearly: "Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority." This commitment underscores the government's dedication to uncovering the facts behind this devastating event.
Expert Teams Deployed to Crash Site
To facilitate a comprehensive investigation, specialized teams were swiftly dispatched to the accident location:
- A team of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) based in Delhi
- Another team of three officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Mumbai Regional Office
- The Director General of AAIB also personally arrived at the site to oversee operations
All teams reached the crash site on January 28, demonstrating the rapid response capability of India's aviation authorities.
Legal Framework and Investigative Procedures
The investigation has been formally initiated under specific regulatory provisions:
- Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025 provide the legal foundation for the inquiry
- The ministry remains fully committed to completing the probe within a defined timeframe
- All procedures are being followed strictly in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laid-down guidelines
Additional Investigative Developments
Officials directly involved in the crash investigation have confirmed that both the voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered from the accident spot. Earlier on the day of the crash, officials from DGCA and specialized forensic teams reached the site to provide technical assistance and support to the investigation.
On the legal front, the Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the tragic incident. A police official stated: "Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation has been initiated."
Final Honors for Ajit Pawar
As the investigation continues, the state paid its final respects to the departed leader. Full state honors were accorded to Ajit Pawar as his mortal remains were transported to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. Supporters gathered in large numbers outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects to Maharashtra's longest-serving deputy chief minister (non-consecutively).
The funeral procession began from the Vidya Pratishthan campus at 9 AM, passing through the city to allow citizens to pay homage, and culminated at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground where the funeral was scheduled for 11 AM.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation's detailed statement provides transparency about the investigative process while acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the state of Maharashtra. As technical experts analyze the recovered evidence, the nation awaits answers about what caused this tragic aviation incident that has left a significant void in Maharashtra's political landscape.
