On Wednesday morning, a Learjet 45 charter aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others crashed while trying to land at the Baramati airport, killing them all. Hindustan Times reported that the airport lacked basic aids for navigation, fire tenders, and proper air traffic control.
Following the fatal crash, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been deployed at the Baramati airport. The Air Force is working towards providing primary Air Traffic Control (ATC) and meteorological services temporarily.
What did the Air Force say?
In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, "In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors." They added, "They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need."
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Baramati airport falls under the 'uncontrolled' category, the civil aviation ministry has said. It is placed in category A, one of the four types of airports in India, Hindustan Times reported.
At present, the Air Traffic Control at Baramati is not run by full-time ATC officers. Instead, pilot cadets from local flying schools handle operations. Cadets from Redbird Aviation and Carver Aviation take turns managing the ATC on alternate days.
Civil Aviation Ministry initiates probe
The Civil Aviation Ministry said the probe will be finished as fast as possible. It added that the investigation is being carried out as per existing rules and standard procedures.
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Sharing an update on X on Thursday, the Ministry said, "A team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team of three officers from the DGCA, Mumbai Regional Office, reached the crash site on 28 January. The Director General, AAIB, also arrived at the site the same day. The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered."
