Baramati Plane Crash: Data from One Black Box Recovered, Other Needs Special Help

The investigation into the Learjet plane crash near Baramati is continuing. While data from one of the plane's "black boxes" has been saved, the other one is badly damaged by fire. Experts are now needed to try and get information from it.
By Newsroom | India, Aviation |

The ongoing investigation into the January 28 Learjet 45 crash near Baramati, which resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, has encountered a significant hurdle. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is seeking specialized external support to recover data from the aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). This development follows the successful extraction of data from the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), indicating that while some critical information has been obtained, the CVR presents a unique challenge due to fire damage sustained during the incident.

Incident Overview and Initial Response

On January 28, a Learjet 45 aircraft, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures, crashed near Baramati while attempting to land. The accident tragically claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, including Ajit Pawar, who was travelling to attend local election rallies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the fatalities shortly after the incident. A special investigation team from the AAIB was promptly dispatched to the crash site to commence the inquiry.

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The crash occurred around 9 a.m., approximately one hour after the aircraft departed from Mumbai.

The initial investigation efforts involved the recovery and examination of the aircraft's "black box," comprising both the DFDR and the CVR. Senior security officials and rescue teams were deployed immediately. Officials also indicated that the probe would involve a detailed scrutiny of the aircraft's airframe and engine logbooks, maintenance records, and onboard documentation, alongside statements from eyewitnesses and relevant personnel.

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Flight Recorders: Status and Challenges

The Learjet 45 was equipped with two independent flight recorders: the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Both devices were recovered from the crash site.

  • Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR): Data from the DFDR has been successfully extracted. This recorder typically stores parameters such as airspeed, altitude, heading, and control inputs.

  • Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): The CVR, which records ambient sounds and conversations within the cockpit, has sustained significant fire damage.

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"Both recorders were exposed to intense heat for a prolonged period during the accident and sustained fire damage." - AAIB Statement

The AAIB has stated that the meticulous technical examination of the CVR is ongoing. Due to the extent of the fire damage, the bureau is seeking specialized external assistance to retrieve the crucial data from this recorder, acknowledging that standard procedures may be insufficient.

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Investigation Protocols and Stakeholder Communication

The AAIB has emphasized its commitment to conducting a comprehensive, objective, and evidence-based investigation.

  • The bureau is adhering to all prescribed technical and procedural protocols, aligning with the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, and international standards outlined in ICAO Annex 13.

  • Speculation Discouraged: The AAIB has formally requested all stakeholders to avoid speculation regarding the crash and to allow the investigation to proceed according to established procedures.

  • A preliminary report on the crash was anticipated soon, as indicated by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

Background of the Deceased

Ajit Pawar, 66, was a prominent political figure and the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His extensive political career spanned multiple government tenures. The crash occurred while he was en route to Baramati for a public meeting related to the Zilla Parishad elections. The accident prompted the declaration of a state holiday and three days of mourning in Maharashtra.

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Expert Analysis on Recorder Damage

While specific details about the specialized support required for the CVR were not elaborated upon, the situation highlights the challenges of data retrieval from fire-damaged recorders. Specialized laboratories with advanced techniques, such as component-level testing and data recovery from damaged memory chips, are often employed in such scenarios. The AAIB's decision to seek external assistance suggests that the damage to the CVR may be severe, potentially requiring expertise beyond its immediate capabilities.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The successful retrieval of data from the DFDR is a positive step in the Baramati Learjet 45 crash investigation. However, the delay in accessing information from the CVR remains a critical point. The AAIB's proactive step in seeking specialized support indicates a methodical approach to overcome this obstacle.

  • Immediate Focus: The primary objective is to retrieve and analyze the data from the damaged CVR.

  • Comprehensive Analysis: Once all data is recovered, the AAIB will proceed with its detailed analysis, correlating information from both recorders with other investigative findings.

  • Final Report: The ultimate goal is to produce a definitive report that elucidates the cause of the crash and provides recommendations to prevent future incidents.

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The timeline for obtaining specialized assistance and the subsequent data retrieval remains undetermined.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in Baramati?
A Learjet plane crashed near Baramati. Sadly, everyone on board died.
Q: What is a "black box"?
A "black box" is a device on a plane that records important flight information and sounds in the cockpit.
Q: Why is it hard to get data from one of the black boxes?
One of the black boxes was badly damaged by fire during the crash. This makes it hard to get the information out.
Q: What is being done to get the data?
The people looking into the crash are asking for special help from experts to try and save the data from the damaged recorder.
Q: When will we know what caused the crash?
It is not yet known when the data will be recovered or when the final report will be ready.