Black Box Recovered from Baramati Crash; Flight Logs, Fuel Cards, and Flight Plan to Reveal Learjet-45’s Complete History

The investigation into the tragic plane crash at Baramati Airport, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, has taken a critical turn with the recovery of the aircraft’s black box. Authorities now hope that this, along with a detailed examination of the plane’s carnet fuel card, flight plan, and logbook, will provide vital insights into the circumstances leading to the crash.

Investigators to Trace the Aircraft’s “Flight Profile”

Aviation experts have emphasized that the Learjet-45 operated by VSR Ventures must be thoroughly scrutinized. This includes not only the black box data but also the plane’s operational history. By analyzing the fuel card, investigators can determine how much fuel was used and whether there were any anomalies in refueling patterns. The ATC-submitted flight plans and the logbook will help verify the number of flight hours flown, ensuring there was no manipulation of records that could have affected maintenance schedules.

Sources indicate that VSR Ventures’ owner VK Singh had previously claimed on January 28 that the aircraft was in good condition. However, questions remain whether the plane had exceeded its scheduled flying hours or if maintenance was delayed, potentially contributing to the crash. Viral footage from the plane’s camera, reportedly taken before the accident, showed the aircraft tilting to one side, raising further technical concerns.

Technical Faults Under Scrutiny

Experts suggest that the crash could have resulted from a technical malfunction prior to landing, engine failure, or other mechanical issues. While the exact cause will only be confirmed after the investigation, authorities stress that the black box alone will not provide the full picture.

“The logbook, fuel records, and flight plan together will reveal the aircraft’s true operational status. Only if all three align can the plane’s fitness for service be confirmed,” said a source close to the investigation. There is growing concern that some private charter operators may mask delayed maintenance in their records, giving the impression that the aircraft was serviced on time when it was not.

Questions Over Visibility and Pilot Challenges

Adding to the investigation is the question of visibility at the time of landing, which was reported by the DGCA to be 3,000 meters. Despite this, reports suggest that neither of the two pilots could clearly see the runway, highlighting potential operational or technical complications.

With the black box now in hand, investigators from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are expected to piece together the full sequence of events, offering crucial insights into what went wrong and whether preventive measures could have averted this tragedy.