The investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar has become more complex after both black boxes were found damaged in the fire that followed the accident.
Officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said the intense heat affected the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the digital flight data recorder (DFDR). While investigators have managed to extract technical flight data from the DFDR, the cockpit audio, which could provide critical clues about the final moments, is yet to be fully recovered.
The cockpit voice recorder is crucial because it captures pilot conversations, warning alerts and communication with air traffic control. Due to the extent of the damage, Indian authorities are now taking technical support from foreign experts and the aircraft manufacturer to retrieve the remaining information.
The crash took place during the aircraft’s landing attempt at Baramati airport and resulted in the deaths of all five people on board, including the pilots and crew. Investigators are examining multiple aspects such as the aircraft’s performance, the crew’s response, weather conditions and the approach to the runway to reconstruct what led to the tragedy.
A preliminary report is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The recovered flight data is likely to help establish the sequence of events before the crash and identify any technical or operational issues.
Meanwhile, the damage to the black boxes has sparked political reactions, with some leaders calling for a more detailed and transparent inquiry. They have pointed out that flight recorders are designed to withstand severe impact and fire, raising questions that the investigation will need to address.
