A preliminary report of the probe into the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) aircraft crash at Maharashtra’s Baramati on January 28, which had claimed the lives of 66-year-old former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, will be released within 30 days of the occurrence of the accident, as per ICAO norms.
The final report will follow in due course, the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed on Thursday.
The Ministry reiterated that the investigation into air crash is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) strictly in accordance with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025 and the Standards and Recommended Practices contained (SARP) in ICAO Annex 13.
According to the Ministry, “A preliminary report will be issued within 30 days of the occurrence, as per ICAO norms, and the final report will follow in due course”.
“The aircraft was equipped with two independent flight recorders. The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), manufactured by L3 Communications, has been successfully downloaded at AAIB’s facility in New Delhi,” the Ministry said in a statement.
“The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) sustained thermal damage. As it is manufactured by Honeywell, technical assistance has been sought from the State of Design/Manufacture, in line with para 5.7 and attachment D of ICAO Annex 13,” it said.
The AAIB’s investigation is technical and evidence-based, involving systematic examination of wreckage, operational and maintenance records and laboratory testing of components where required.
During 2025, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators. Additionally, multiple surveillances of M/s VSR Ventures were carried out across areas such as flight safety systems, flight duty time limitations, maintenance compliance (CAR M and CAR 145), documentation and station facilities. All surveillance findings were addressed and closed.
Following the accident, the Ministry asked the DGCA to conduct a Special Audit of M/s VSR Ventures to conduct a comprehensive review of regulatory compliance, operational control systems, maintenance practices, crew training standards, safety management systems, and CVR/FDR monitoring.
The audit commenced on 4 February and is expected to conclude shortly. Findings will be reviewed and action will be taken in accordance with DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual.
Further, the Ministry has also asked DGCA to carry out special audits of other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes engaged in VIP/VVIP operations. These audits are being conducted in phases and appropriate enforcement action will be taken wherever required.
The Ministry and its regulatory bodies remain fully committed to transparency, safety oversight and accountability. Stakeholders are requested to refrain from speculation and allow the statutory investigation and regulatory processes to proceed in accordance with established procedures.
Ajit Pawar and four others died on the morning of January 28 after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at the Baramati airport in Pune district.