DGCA probe underway into Ajit Pawar plane crash: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said a crucial investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is underway into the plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and urged people not to draw conclusions until the probe is completed.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said the aircraft’s black box has been recovered and investigations have commenced on all fronts. Describing the DGCA inquiry as “very important”, he stressed that conclusions should be drawn only after the investigation report is finalised.

Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on January 28 when a Learjet aircraft crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district . The crash occurred close to the runway area during the aircraft’s approach, killing all five occupants on board, including the pilot, co-pilot and two others.

Emergency services rushed to the site following the accident, and the area was secured for rescue and investigation. Aviation authorities later recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are expected to be key in determining the sequence of events leading to the crash.

According to the DGCA, the definitive cause of the crash has not yet been established . The regulator has said that the investigation is ongoing and is examining multiple factors, including visibility conditions, pilot decision-making, possible technical faults and compliance with aviation safety regulations . Officials have maintained that no conclusions will be drawn until all technical and operational aspects are thoroughly analysed.

The chief minister’s remarks came amid claims by Pawar’s nephew and MLA Rohit Pawar, who raised several questions regarding the sequence of events leading up to the crash. He alleged that there was reason to suspect sabotage and demanded a comprehensive probe by multiple expert agencies.

Responding to the concerns, Fadnavis said he was generally aware of the issues raised and asserted that any doubts must be addressed through proper investigative channels. “If anyone has doubts, they should be resolved. The investigative agencies available under Indian law have already initiated the kind of inquiry expected in such cases,” he said.

Fadnavis added that he was the first to write to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking a detailed probe into the accident, reiterating that the findings of the DGCA investigation should guide any further action.