Ajit Pawar plane crash probe: Cockpit recorder damaged, govt seeks help | What happens next

The investigation into the Baramati plane crash has encountered a significant hurdle after the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) suffered thermal damage due to intense heat at the crash site. Authorities are conducting a time-bound probe in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines and are expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. While the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) has been successfully downloaded and is expected to provide critical insights into the aircraft’s movement and system performance, the damaged CVR has complicated the process. Officials have sought international technical assistance to attempt recovery of the cockpit audio data, which records pilot communication and in-flight discussions. Experts note that although black boxes are designed to withstand extreme conditions, every crash scenario is different. The aircraft reportedly went down in a confined area, leading to intense heat exposure that may have caused the damage. The probe is being overseen by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Investigators remain optimistic that available technical data will help determine the primary cause of the crash.