NCP veteran Chhagan Bhujbal expresses surprise over AAIB report’s finding that Ajit Pawar’s aircraft hit trees before crashing in Baramati

http://cuepweblb.timesofindia.com/newsgate/searchpreview?cmd=preview&mimetype=image&encodedtitle=bhujbal&sourcepath=TOI%2fCITY%2fnasik%2f14_Nas_TP_Chhagan.Bhujbal.press.conference&autref=L8JRK943&origin=NewsGate&ref=GL8JRK943.3&pref=&sfref=B6111208566Z.1&eref=&summary=&displayterminfo=false&pagesize=14 Nashik: Senior NCP cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Tuesday expressed surprise at the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)'s preliminary report stating that the aircraft carrying former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar struck trees before crashing at the Baramati airstrip, killing Pawar and others.Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airstrip on Jan 28. "Hundreds of people were waiting for Ajit Pawar at the Baramati airstrip, yet none of them reported that the plane hit any trees. CCTV footage and eyewitnesses have clearly indicated that the aircraft tilted sideways moments before impact and crashed, killing everyone onboard," Bhujbal told the media from Nashik while travelling to Mumbai.When asked about a video shared by Ajit Pawar's son, Jay, showing a person seated in the pilot's seat while it was airborne, Bhujbal said said, "DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) must investigate this matter and take strict action. The individual occupying that seat must remain alert at all times and operate the aircraft with the highest level of responsibility."