AAIB flags low visibility in Ajit Pawar plane crash preliminary report: 'Tower manned by ground instructor'

The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the plane crash involving Ajit Pawar highlights critical safety concerns, particularly regarding visibility conditions at the time of the incident. The report indicates that the control tower was staffed by a ground instructor, raising questions about the adequacy of air traffic control during the flight's approach. Furthermore, it was revealed that the runway had not undergone any recarpeting since March 2016, leading to deteriorated runway markings and the presence of loose gravel, which could have contributed to the accident. These findings underscore the urgent need for maintenance and oversight at airports to ensure the safety of flight operations. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the contributing factors to the crash and recommend necessary safety measures to prevent future incidents.