Ajit Pawar plane crash: Did Ajit Pawar plane have a black box?: A major accident occurred near Baramati in Maharashtra. The aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed, killing five people, including Ajit Pawar. Investigating agencies have begun probing the cause of the accident.
Did Ajit Pawar's plane have a black box?
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Learjet 45. It was equipped with a black box, which includes both a flight data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder. The investigating team has reportedly recovered the black box from the crash site. This device will provide crucial technical data such as speed, altitude, engine performance, and control inputs, as well as recordings of cockpit conversations in the final moments before the crash. This information will help determine whether the accident was caused by a technical malfunction, weather conditions, or human error.
What is a black box?
Despite its name, a black box is not black. It is painted bright orange to make it easily visible in wreckage or difficult terrain. Officially, it is called a flight recorder. Made of robust materials like titanium or hardened steel, the black box can withstand temperatures up to 1100 degrees Celsius and significant impacts. It is typically installed near the tail of the aircraft because this section is more likely to remain intact during a crash.
Two parts of the black box:
The black box consists of two separate systems. The flight data recorder records technical parameters such as speed, altitude, fuel flow, engine status, and control positions. The cockpit voice recorder records pilot conversations, warning alarms, and background sounds in the cockpit.
Why don't all private planes have a black box?
Not all private aircraft are required to have a black box. Very small aircraft, typically those with one to four seats, have significant space and weight limitations. Installing a heavy and crash-proof recorder is often not feasible without compromising performance or safety. A standard black box system, including its certification and maintenance, can cost over $60,000. For a small private aircraft, this can represent a significant portion of the plane's total cost. In India, the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) primarily mandates black boxes for commercial aircraft and large corporate jets.
