New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) - The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) announced on Tuesday that it is undertaking a thorough investigation into the Learjet 45 crash that occurred in Baramati on January 28. This investigation is being conducted in full adherence to the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017 as well as the international standards established under ICAO Annex 13.

The tragic accident resulted in the loss of six lives, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, when the aircraft went down during its landing approach near Baramati.

Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all six individuals aboard the aircraft perished in the incident.

In its latest statement, the AAIB revealed that the aircraft was equipped with two independent flight data recorders.

Both devices were subjected to extreme heat and sustained considerable damage from the fire resulting from the crash.

Nonetheless, data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), produced by L3-Communications, has been successfully retrieved at the AAIB’s Flight Recorder Laboratory.

Meanwhile, the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), manufactured by Honeywell, is currently undergoing an in-depth technical analysis.

The Bureau is collaborating with the Accredited Representative of the State of Manufacture to obtain specialized support for data recovery from the compromised recorder.

The AAIB stressed its commitment to following all recommended technical and procedural guidelines to ensure that the investigation remains objective, thorough, and strictly based on evidence.

The AAIB reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, promising to release more information at a suitable stage of the investigation.

It also urged all stakeholders and the general public to avoid speculation and to allow the investigation to unfold as per established protocols.

The accident occurred around 9 a.m., shortly after the aircraft took off from Mumbai.

Footage from the scene displayed thick smoke and flames billowing from the wreckage, with ambulances and rescue teams hastily arriving at the location.

Local residents were seen attempting to assist in rescue operations before emergency services could intervene.

Ajit Pawar was en route to Baramati for a public meeting amid ongoing Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections when the aircraft reportedly lost control during its landing phase.

Senior security officials and rescue personnel were deployed promptly following the crash.

Initially, three bodies were transported to Baramati Medical College, where identification procedures were conducted under the supervision of the Pune Superintendent of Police.