Investigators have recovered the black box from the wreckage of a fatal plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati airport in Pune district.

Investigation Underway

The Pune Rural Police have initiated an Accidental Death Report (ADR) following the tragic incident. The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will lead the investigation, working alongside aviation experts from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to determine the cause of the crash.

Details of the Fatal Incident

The crash occurred on Wednesday when the chartered aircraft carrying Pawar, 66, was approaching Baramati airport. The Deputy Chief Minister was traveling to campaign for upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections when the aircraft crash-landed near the runway threshold.

The accident claimed five lives in total, including Pawar’s personal security officer, a flight attendant identified as Pinky Mali, and two pilots – Captain Sumit Kapur and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak. Another victim was identified as Vidip Jadhav.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 (registration number VT-SSK) operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited.

Political Impact and State Response

Pawar was a significant figure in Maharashtra politics, having served as Deputy Chief Minister six times under various administrations, making him the longest-serving Deputy CM in the state’s history.

In response to this tragic loss, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared a state holiday and announced three days of official mourning. The last rites for Ajit Pawar will be conducted with full state honors on Thursday at 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati.

Investigation Progress

As investigators continue their work at the crash site, the recovery of the black box marks a crucial development in understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. Aviation authorities remain on-site, gathering evidence and conducting a thorough examination of the wreckage.