Black Box Recovered As Aviation Ministry Assures Swift Probe Into Baramati Plane Crash

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed the recovery of the black box from the aircraft that crashed near Baramati, signalling steady progress in the investigation and reinforcing the government’s commitment to a time-bound probe.

In an official statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said it activated all required response and investigative mechanisms immediately after the accident.

It stressed that authorities are prioritising a thorough, transparent and timely inquiry into the incident.

According to the ministry, teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reached the crash site without delay to examine the wreckage and determine the cause of the tragedy.

A three-member AAIB team from Delhi and another three officers from the DGCA’s Mumbai Regional Office arrived at the site on January 28. The Director General of AAIB, GVG Yugandhar, also visited the location the same day.

Officials confirmed that investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black box, a crucial step expected to provide vital technical data and cockpit recordings to support the inquiry.

The ministry stated that the investigation has been initiated under Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025, and will follow established standard operating procedures.

Meanwhile, the Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the crash, which claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, among others.

Police officials said they are examining all circumstances surrounding the accident.

As per protocol, authorities will hand over the ADR to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID will conduct further investigations based on the findings submitted by the AAIB team.

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