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Learjet 45 Crash Probe: Black Boxes Damaged, AAIB Seeks Int'l Aid

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the fatal Learjet 45 crash in Baramati that occurred on January 28. Both flight recorders were fire-damaged, but data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder has been successfully downloaded. The Bureau is seeking specialized international support to examine the damaged Cockpit Voice Recorder. The crash resulted in five fatalities, including prominent politician Ajit Pawar.

Key Points: AAIB Update on Baramati Learjet Crash Investigation

  • DFDR data successfully downloaded
  • CVR undergoing technical examination
  • International assistance sought for data retrieval
  • Investigation ongoing, public urged against speculation
  • Crash killed 5, including politician Ajit Pawar
2 min read

AAIB provides update on investigation into Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) accident at Baramati

AAIB recovers data from fire-damaged black boxes in Learjet 45 crash that killed Ajit Pawar. Investigation follows ICAO protocols.

"The AAIB is diligently following all prescribed technical and procedural protocols to ensure a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based investigation. - Ministry of Civil Aviation"

New Delhi, February 17

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is carrying out a detailed investigation into the accident involving Learjet 45 aircraft VT-SSK at Baramati on 28 January 2026, strictly in accordance with the Aircraft Rules, 2017 and the international standards and recommended practices of ICAO Annex 13, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The aircraft was equipped with two independent flight recorders. Both recorders were exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident and sustained fire damage.

According to the MoCA, the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), manufactured by L3-Communications, has been successfully downloaded at the AAIB Flight Recorder Laboratory. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is undergoing detailed technical examination. Assistance has been sought from the Accredited Representative of the State of Manufacture for specialised support in data retrieval.

The AAIB is diligently following all prescribed technical and procedural protocols to ensure a comprehensive, objective and evidence-based investigation. The Bureau remains fully committed to transparency and will share further information at the appropriate stage of the investigation.

The AAIB respectfully requests all stakeholders to avoid speculation and allow the investigation process to proceed in accordance with established procedures.

Earlier, 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.

Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on January 28 in Maharashtra's Baramati. According to DGCA, five people, including the crew, on board the chartered plane flying from Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Baramati, died after a crash-landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati.

Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The fact that the recorders were exposed to intense heat is concerning. It shows how severe the accident was. I hope the technical teams can still retrieve the data from the CVR. The families deserve answers. 🙏
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Aman W
A senior leader like Ajit Pawar ji lost his life. This is a huge loss for Maharashtra politics. The investigation must be thorough and transparent, no matter who was on board. The request to avoid speculation is correct—let the experts do their job.
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Rohit P
While I appreciate the detailed update, I hope this isn't just procedural talk. We've seen investigations drag on for years with no clear conclusions. The "appropriate stage" should come soon. The public and more importantly, the aviation community, needs timely findings to improve safety.
M
Michael C
The mention of seeking help from the State of Manufacture is standard and a good practice. It shows they are pulling in all necessary expertise. The focus should be on the technical cause—weather, mechanical failure, human error—not just the political figure involved.
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Nisha Z
So sad for the crew members as well. Often they are forgotten in these reports. Five lives lost is five too many. Hope the investigation leads to concrete safety recommendations for smaller charter aircraft operations, which seem to be increasing.

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