Bengaluru, January 29 – In the wake of the tragic plane crash claiming the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, aviation expert Captain Anant Mathur has urged caution against premature conclusions. Speaking exclusively to reporters, the seasoned pilot emphasized that only a thorough examination of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – commonly known as the black box – can reveal the true cause of the disaster.
Captain Mathur, drawing from decades of experience in civil aviation, stated firmly, ‘Without concrete data, pinpointing the reason for this accident is impossible.’ He highlighted the critical role these devices play in investigations, recording every conversation in the cockpit and key flight parameters like altitude, speed, and engine performance.
Initial reports suggest visibility was around 3 kilometers at the time of the incident. Mathur explained the distinction between horizontal visibility, what observers on the ground perceive, and slant visibility, which pilots rely on to align with the runway. ‘This nuance is often overlooked but vital for safe landings,’ he noted.
The expert outlined the standard two-phase investigation process. A preliminary report offers early insights, but the final report delivers the definitive findings on root causes and contributing factors. ‘Speculation has no place here; we must await the facts,’ Mathur asserted, extending condolences to the families of the crew, VIP passengers, and cabin staff who perished.
Meanwhile, Ajit Pawar, the prominent NCP leader, received a state funeral in Baramati on Thursday. His entire family gathered to bid farewell, with both sons performing the last rites amid full honors. As the nation mourns, the aviation community braces for revelations from the black box that could reshape safety protocols.