Ajit Pawar plane crash: Aviation ministry to release preliminary report in 30 days
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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NEW DELHI: The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that a preliminary report into the fatal Learjet crash near Baramati, which claimed the lives of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, will be released within 30 days as per international aviation standards. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the investigation in accordance with global norms, including ICAO Annex 13.
The ministry provided details about the flight recorders recovered from the aircraft. The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) has been successfully downloaded at AAIB’s facility in New Delhi, while the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), though damaged due to thermal impact, is being analyzed with technical assistance from its manufacturer. These findings are crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash.
The investigation timeline was also clarified: a Preliminary Report will be issued within 30 days, followed by a Final Report in due course. The probe involves a systematic examination of the wreckage, operational and maintenance records, and laboratory testing of components. Additionally, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators, including multiple surveillances of M/s VSR Ventures, the aircraft’s operator, which were addressed and closed.
Following the crash, DGCA was directed to conduct a Special Audit of M/s VSR Ventures, focusing on operational control systems, maintenance practices, crew training standards, and safety management systems. The audit, currently underway, aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The ministry has also mandated special audits for other major non-scheduled operators and aerodromes engaged in VIP/VVIP operations, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
This incident highlights the importance of stringent regulatory oversight in aviation safety. While political demands for a separate probe have been raised, the government is
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026