Preliminary Black Box and Crash Report Flags Visibility & Safety Lapses in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation

Preliminary crash report into Ajit Pawar’s Baramati plane accident flags low visibility, runway and procedural lapses; black box data decoding underway.

Pune |02 March 2026: The investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others has entered a crucial phase with the release of a preliminary report. Early findings indicate that poor visibility, lack of runway infrastructure, and procedural oversights were significant factors in the accident, while data from the cockpit voice recorder is being analysed in the United States for detailed insights.

The report notes that the aircraft attempted to land despite visibility below legal minimums. On the day of the crash, visibility at Baramati Airport was approximately 3 km, below the required 5 km minimum for visual flight operations. The airfield’s limited facilities and temporary air traffic arrangements contributed to reduced situational awareness for the flight crew during the approach.

Investigators highlighted that Baramati Airport operates as an uncontrolled aerodrome, with no permanent certified air traffic control tower. At the time of the crash, the tower was manned by a ground instructor rather than a full-time air traffic controller. Additionally, the runway had faded markings, loose gravel, and lacked advanced navigational aids, creating challenging conditions for a safe landing.

Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were recovered from the crash site. While the flight data recorder remained largely intact, the cockpit voice recorder suffered thermal damage from the fire, necessitating specialised analysis abroad. Authorities hope that the decoded data will clarify the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The preliminary report is interim, and a final comprehensive report is expected after detailed analysis of the black box, meteorological conditions, crew records, aircraft maintenance logs, and operational procedures. Aviation regulators have already taken precautionary measures by grounding similar aircraft models to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Experts note that the findings underscore the importance of robust airfield infrastructure, strict procedural adherence, and accurate visibility reporting — particularly at smaller, uncontrolled airports that handle non-scheduled flights. The preliminary report highlights areas requiring urgent attention to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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