Pawar Alleges Conspiracy, Demands Minister Resign Over Learjet Crash Probe
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Rohit Pawar alleges a conspiracy in the fatal Ajit Pawar Learjet crash, demanding the aviation minister's resignation over the probe's independence.
Key Takeaways
- •Alleges political conspiracy in the fatal January 28 Learjet crash involving Ajit Pawar.
- •Demands resignation of Civil Aviation Minister, citing alleged conflicts of interest with operator VSR Aviation.
- •Questions DGCA probe integrity and raises technical concerns over a 30-minute CVR.
- •Highlights the role of the independent AAIB, which officially leads such investigations in India, not the DGCA.
An Indian politician has publicly called for the resignation of the country's civil aviation minister, alleging a conspiracy behind the fatal January 28 crash of a Learjet carrying his uncle, Ajit Pawar. The allegations place India's air accident investigation framework under intense political scrutiny.
Rohit Pawar, a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has demanded an independent investigation into the crash. He claims potential conflicts of interest involving Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and the aircraft operator, VSR Aviation. In a letter to the Prime Minister and in statements to the media, Pawar alleged financial links between the minister's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the charter company, suggesting political power is being used to influence the outcome of the investigation.
Sources close to Minister Naidu have dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that aircraft accident investigations adhere to strict international protocols and are transparent and evidence-driven. The core of Pawar's criticism is directed at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which he argues cannot conduct an independent probe due to its position under the civil aviation ministry.
Investigation Process and Regulatory Framework
While the allegations focus on the DGCA, official accident investigations in India are conducted by a separate, independent body. To comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards outlined in Annex 13, India established the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in 2012. The AAIB operates independently of the DGCA to prevent the exact type of conflict of interest alleged by Pawar. The DGCA's role is that of a regulator focused on oversight and enforcement, while the AAIB is the sole body responsible for investigating major accidents.
This separation is mandated by India's Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, which empowers the AAIB to lead probes without influence from regulatory or political bodies. The investigation into the VSR Aviation Learjet crash would therefore fall under the AAIB's jurisdiction, not the DGCA's direct control.
Pawar also claimed the DGCA missed an expected February 15 deadline for a preliminary report, which he described as an attempt to shield VSR Aviation.
Technical Allegations and CVR Standards
Beyond the political claims, Pawar raised specific technical questions about the aircraft's flight recorders. He alleged that the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) had a recording capacity of only 30 minutes, short of the two-hour requirement prescribed by the aviation regulator. While older analog CVRs that used magnetic tape were limited to 30 minutes, modern solid-state recorders are required to store a minimum of two hours of audio. ICAO and other global regulators have since mandated a 25-hour CVR recording duration for aircraft manufactured after January 1, 2021, to provide investigators with more comprehensive data.
Pawar expressed disbelief that the CVR was damaged and asserted its contents are critical to understanding the final moments of the flight. He further alleged that there were multiple explosions and suggested that improperly stored extra fuel in the baggage compartment may have contributed to a fire, calling for a thorough investigation into this possibility.
Why This Matters
This incident highlights the significant challenge of maintaining public and political confidence in independent aviation safety investigations, particularly when they involve prominent public figures. The allegations test the integrity and perceived independence of India's aviation safety framework, placing the procedural separation between the AAIB and DGCA into the public spotlight. The outcome will be closely watched as a measure of the system's resilience against external political pressure.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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