The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its 22-page preliminary report into the crash of a Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) at Baramati in Maharashtra on January 28, an accident that claimed the lives of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
The report stated that all aspects of the accident would be thoroughly examined to determine the facts, root causes and contributory factors behind the crash. It clarified that the findings are based on preliminary evidence collected during the initial phase of investigation and remain subject to change.
Emphasising international norms, the AAIB noted that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), under which accident investigations are aimed solely at preventing future incidents and not assigning blame or liability.
According to the report, both pilots were familiar with Baramati airfield and had prior experience operating VIP and other flights to uncontrolled airports, including Baramati. Pre-flight breath analyser tests conducted inside the aircraft showed satisfactory results for both pilots.
However, visibility at Baramati airport on the day of the accident was recorded at around 3,000 metres at the time of landing—significantly below the minimum 5,000 metres required for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations.
The preliminary findings highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight at smaller airfields; review of licensing norms for such airstrips; and urgent upgrades to landing and meteorological infrastructure.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data yet to be downloaded. The AAIB is coordinating with the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for technical assistance.
As part of international protocol, the NTSB has appointed accredited representatives along with technical advisers from aircraft manufacturer Bombardier, avionics firm Honeywell, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the probe.
The AAIB team has also engaged subject-matter experts, including qualified pilots, Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers and aviation medicine specialists, as investigations continue to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.