Ajit Pawar Aircraft Black Box Recovered, Intensifying Crash Speculations

New developments in the investigation of the Learjet 45 aircraft crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on January 28 have intensified public scrutiny and speculation surrounding the circumstances of the fatal accident. Authorities have now recovered the aircraft’s black box, but its poor condition is complicating efforts to extract crucial data, prompting calls for more expansive inquiry.

The chartered Learjet, operated by Delhi‑based VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, crashed as it attempted to land at the Baramati table‑top airstrip. All five occupants — including Pawar, his personal staff, the pilot and co‑pilot — died on impact. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — collectively known as the black box — are critical to determining the sequence of events before the crash, as they record technical parameters and cockpit interactions.

When recovered, however, investigators found the black box in a badly damaged state, raising concerns about the integrity of onboard recordings and the feasibility of retrieving actionable data. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, nephew of the late leader, said the condition of the device has added to suspicions of a conspiracy surround­ing the crash, questioning the pace and transparency of the probe. He has also engaged private detective agencies to assist in uncovering facts.

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The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has been overseeing the formal inquiry. Officials say that, even under normal circumstances, damaged black boxes can delay data extraction by weeks as specialists attempt to recover and analyse fragile recordings, particularly if fire or impact forces have compromised storage media.

Political reactions have been mixed. While the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has openly demanded a high‑level and independent investigation to address questions raised by family members and party leaders, other stakeholders have urged caution against premature conclusions. Reports indicate that both AAIB and DGCA efforts are ongoing, and a preliminary report on the crash is expected imminently, though its contents will hinge heavily on what can be deciphered from the damaged black box.

The Baramati crash has already triggered broader debate over aviation safety, infrastructure at regional airstrips, and oversight of non‑scheduled operators. With the damaged black box now central to the investigation, authorities and Pawar’s supporters alike are watching closely for findings that could clarify whether mechanical failure, human error, environmental conditions — or less conventional explanations — contributed to the tragedy.

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