NCP MLA Rohit Pawar Alleges Inconsistencies in Baramati Plane Crash Report

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has made a significant claim that the preliminary report on the Baramati plane crash contains numerous inconsistencies and errors. This has raised serious concerns that the investigation may be attempting to shield charter company VSR Ventures as well as certain officials within the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) who allegedly supported the company.

Presentation of Critical Findings

On Wednesday, Pawar presented a detailed PowerPoint critique of the findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The crash occurred on January 28 when a Learjet operated by VSR Ventures crashed while attempting to land at Baramati, killing all five people onboard, including then deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

The AAIB preliminary report, released on Saturday, flagged pilots' non-adherence to standard operating procedures, low visibility, and the absence of basic meteorological facilities at the uncontrolled airfield as contributing factors.

Specific Allegations and Discrepancies

Pawar highlighted several specific discrepancies during a press conference. "The AAIB report says the aircraft first hit trees before impact. But there are no trees at that spot," Pawar stated emphatically. He further questioned the crash sequence described in the preliminary report by comparing it with CCTV footage of the accident.

In the footage, the aircraft is seen sharply rolling to the left before impact, while the AAIB report states that it banked right, creating a direct contradiction in the official narrative.

Questions Over Black Box Evidence

Regarding the black boxes, the AAIB report indicated that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) had sustained thermal damage. Pawar questioned this claim and noted the absence of black box photos in the report.

He presented photographs of the black boxes taken after they were retrieved from the wreckage. Capt Amit Singh, an air safety expert, analyzed these photos, stating: "The photos released by Pawar show no visible signs of severe thermal exposure such as blistered paint, heavy soot deposition, heat distortion of casing. It suggests the recorder may not have experienced significant thermal damage, though only a forensic inspection can confirm internal heat exposure."

Additional Concerns Raised by Pawar

Among the other points and questions raised by Pawar were:

The absence of an investigator's signature on the preliminary report.
The late filing of the flight plan and subsequent modification in the early hours.
A last-minute crew change.
The aircraft being loaded with more fuel than required for the planned Mumbai-Baramati-Mumbai sector.

He also questioned weather and air traffic control decisions on the morning of the crash. "If visibility was below the 5 km minimum mandated for a visual approach, why was the aircraft allowed to continue to Baramati by the Pune air traffic control?" Pawar asked. "Why wasn't the aircraft diverted to Pune or Mumbai?"

Allegations Against VSR Ventures

Pawar alleged that the aircraft's flying hours may have been under-logged, which allows a company to postpone mandatory maintenance checks. This practice means aircraft components operate beyond safe limits, posing significant safety risks.

He also questioned the rapid growth of the charter operator involved in the crash, noting that its revenues rose from under Rs 10 crore in 2016 to over Rs 500 crore in 2025. Pawar alleged that shell companies invested large sums in the firm before shutting down, raising further suspicions.

Alleged Threats and Intimidation

Referring to a conversation, Pawar alleged that V K Singh, the owner of VSR Ventures, threatened his team, telling them to stop their investigations. Singh allegedly told a team member that he had connections and clout "from the top to the bottom" and no one can do anything to him.

This allegation adds a layer of intimidation to the ongoing investigation, suggesting potential obstruction and undue influence in the case.