The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has successfully retrieved and downloaded data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) of the Learjet 45 involved in the Baramati crash connected to an aircraft linked to Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on Thursday. Authorities stated that a preliminary investigation report will be released within 30 days in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms governing aircraft accident inquiries.
The aircraft was equipped with two independent flight recorders designed to capture technical and operational data. The DFDR, manufactured by L3 Communications, was processed at AAIB’s New Delhi facility, allowing investigators to begin analysing recorded flight parameters leading up to the accident. However, the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) suffered significant thermal damage during the crash, preventing immediate data extraction. Because the CVR was manufactured by Honeywell, Indian investigators have sought technical assistance from the State of Design and Manufacture in line with ICAO Annex 13 procedures, which regulate international cooperation in accident investigations.
Officials emphasised that the investigation is strictly technical and evidence-driven, involving detailed examination of wreckage, scrutiny of operational and maintenance records, and laboratory testing of aircraft components wherever necessary. The AAIB stated that conclusions will only be drawn after a comprehensive assessment of all available evidence, following which a final report will be issued.
Alongside the accident probe, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a comprehensive special audit of the aircraft operator, M/s VSR Ventures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators during 2025, including multiple inspections of VSR Ventures covering flight safety systems, flight duty time limitations, maintenance compliance under CAR M and CAR 145 regulations, documentation standards, and station facilities. According to the ministry, all previously identified issues had been addressed and formally closed.
After the crash, the DGCA was directed to carry out a deeper review of the operator’s regulatory compliance, operational control mechanisms, maintenance practices, crew training standards, safety management systems, and monitoring of cockpit and flight data recorders. This audit began on February 4, 2026, and is expected to conclude shortly, with findings to be assessed under the DGCA’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures Manual and appropriate action taken where required.
The ministry has also instructed the regulator to conduct special audits of other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes involved in VIP and VVIP flight operations, with inspections being implemented in phases to strengthen aviation safety oversight across the sector.
The clarification from the ministry followed allegations raised by Rohit Pawar concerning the DGCA and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. In a separate development, a Congress spokesperson urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to verify the condition of injured individuals and raise related concerns with Israeli authorities. Reiterating its stance, the ministry emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability, and rigorous safety oversight, while urging all stakeholders to avoid speculation until the statutory investigation is completed and official findings are released.
