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The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has made several important revelations in its preliminary investigation report after a month in the case of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash. The report reveals low visibility and security lapses at Baramati airport. Along with this, AAIB has also sought international technical assistance to analyze important flight data. Let us know what has been said in the preliminary report.
What is in the preliminary investigation report of AAIB?
According to the preliminary investigation report of the AAIB, at the time of the plane crash the air was calm and visibility was recorded at 3 kilometres. The pilots were also heard saying ‘Oh shit, oh shit’ moments before the crash, as recorded on the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR also suffered thermal damage in the accident. The report also pointed out the lack of basic meteorological (MET) facilities at Baramati airports.
AAIB demands technical assistance
The AAIB said it has sought technical assistance from CVR manufacturer Honeywell due to thermal effects on the device. In accordance with the requirements of ICAO Annex 13, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has also appointed an accredited representative, along with technical advisors, to participate and assist in the investigation. Initial reports say Solid State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR) data has been downloaded and is being analyzed.
Statements of operator personnel have been recorded
According to AAIB, initial statements of operator personnel and other concerned persons have been collected and are being thoroughly investigated along with other evidence available. Records and information received from other stakeholders are also being examined. Investigators inspected the wreckage at the scene and recorded findings for detailed analysis. The wreckage of the aircraft has been moved to a safe location for further investigation.
AAIB made these recommendations to DGCA
The AAIB, in its recommendations to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has also highlighted the need to enhance basic meteorological (MET) facilities as well as landing aids at airports like Baramati. This typically involves a large number of non-scheduled, private and charter flights including VIP operations as well as carrying out flight training activities. This may help prevent such accidents in future.
AAIB also made this demand
The AAIB also recommended that instructions be issued to airport operators and organizations responsible for handling services at uncontrolled airports to ensure that flight operations, including non-scheduled, private and charter flights, are permitted only when the prevailing meteorological conditions meet the criteria prescribed in the relevant DGCA rules. The AAIB said analysis of flight data, voice recordings and technical evidence is still ongoing.
Ajit’s plane crashed on January 28
Ajit was going from Mumbai to Baramati in a private plane on January 28. There were 4 more people with him including a personal security officer and a pilot. The aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am and made its first attempt at landing at Baramati at 8:30 am. Then the pilot took off again due to low visibility. A minute after being given permission to land again at 8:43, Ajit’s plane crashed and everyone on board was killed.
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