10 February,2026 10:35 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA are making rapid progress in probing the fatal crash. File Pic
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that, in the wake of the Baramati plane crash, the audit will be conducted in phases, starting with larger operators. The special safety review, which began on February 4, also includes VSR Ventures.
According to ANI, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA are making rapid progress in probing the fatal crash of the chartered Learjet 45, which killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant near Baramati Airport.
Last week, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the black box from the ill-fated aircraft has been successfully recovered and is under analysis.
As per ANI, while speaking to the media, MoS Mohol stated, "The black box has been recovered, and the AAIB team and DGCA are working on it. I believe the data will be downloaded as soon as possible. Some analysis will be done, an inquiry will be held, and after that, I think the preliminary report will also be released." He highlighted that a detailed inquiry is underway, with the preliminary report expected shortly after the completion of initial data analysis and assessments.
He added that investigation teams comprising three officers each from the AAIB and the DGCA's Mumbai Regional Office arrived at the crash site on the day of the incident. The Director General of AAIB also visited the site the same day to oversee initial proceedings. "The probe is being conducted in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, to ensure a comprehensive and expeditious examination of the circumstances leading to the loss of control during the aircraft's attempted landing amid reported poor visibility," Mohol said.
Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no premature conclusions should be drawn until the analysis is complete. The black box data is expected to provide critical insights into the sequence of events, reported ANI.
Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, Maharashtra. According to the DGCA, five people, including the crew, died on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai to Baramati after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati.
The crash has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra's political landscape, with tributes pouring in for Pawar and calls for enhanced aviation safety measures in charter operations.
(With ANI inputs)
