Preliminary report on Baramati crash: poor visibility, operational deficiencies

Mumbai: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its preliminary report on the fatal crash of a Learjet 45XR at Baramati on January 28, highlighting poor visibility, lack of basic meteorological facilities and operational deficiencies at the out-of-control airport. All five people on board were killed, including the then Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, named VT-SSK, is operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., on a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mumbai to Baramati. The accident occurred at around 0846 IST during landing. The plane was carrying two pilots, a flight attendant and two passengers.The report states that there is no MET facility at Baramati Airport. Weather parameters such as wind, temperature and QNH are transmitted from the temporary tower using available instruments, while visibility is assessed through visual markers identified by the flight training organization. On the morning of the accident, the tower assessed visibility as approximately 3,000 meters, which was below the minimum standard of 5 kilometers required for VFR operations. METAR data from Pune showed visibility between 2,000 meters and 2,500 meters during the relevant window.The first approach to Runway 11 resulted in a go-around. On the second approach, the crew reported sight and clearance was granted for landing. The aircraft then launched “Oh st…Oh st…” before making an emergency landing on the left side of Runway 11, above the threshold. It struck trees and terrain about 50 meters from the edge of the runway and was engulfed in flames. The cockpit and passenger cabin were destroyed.Solid state flight data recorder downloaded. The heat-damaged cockpit voice recorder will be analyzed with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board and the manufacturer.In its interim safety advice, the AAIB said:“The DGCA is advised to issue necessary instructions to all operators operating VFR flights from uncontrolled airports to strictly adhere to the prescribed standard operating procedures. Further, necessary instructions may also be issued to all airport operators/organizations responsible for handling airport services at uncontrolled airports to ensure that flight operations (including non-scheduled/private/charter operations) are allowed at the airport only when the prevailing MET conditions comply with the standards prescribed by the relevant regulations of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.““It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority issue specific instructions to all stakeholders responsible for the management and maintenance of uncontrolled airports to ensure that airports maintain the safety standards required for the safe operation of aircraft. Compliance with requirements may be checked during audit/surveillance. ““It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Administration of China take necessary measures to strengthen the landing auxiliary facilities and basic meteorological facilities at these airports to meet the needs of a large number of unscheduled/charter flights (including VIP flights) at these airports in addition to flight training activities.”“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is recommended to examine the feasibility of issuing licenses to these airports for safe and regulated flight operations.”The investigation is ongoing.