Overview
- India’s aviation regulator directed a special audit of VSR Ventures with a report due by February 15, focusing on maintenance practices and flight operations after the crash that killed Ajit Pawar and four others.
- AAIB has the flight data and cockpit voice recorders in custody, has sealed ATC logs and other evidence, and the wreckage is being moved to Delhi for detailed examination as Baramati airstrip stays closed.
- Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said discussions on the probe’s progress are underway and indicated the preliminary AAIB report is expected within roughly 45 days.
- AAIB said its investigation into VSR’s separate 2023 Learjet 45 accident in Mumbai is in the final stages, with the team prioritizing completion of the final report.
- Initial probe focus includes low visibility at the time of landing and Baramati’s lack of instrument landing aids at an uncontrolled training field, and the Civil Aviation Ministry has offered to support Maharashtra in upgrading the airstrip.