Mumbai, Jan. 29 -- Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu has informed Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation into the recent aircraft accident that claimed the lives of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others.

Replying to a letter written by Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Union Minister said the aircraft's black box has been recovered, and the investigation has commenced in accordance with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Rules.

He assured that the probe would be conducted transparently and in a time-bound manner.

"All technical records, operational details, and facts from the accident site are being examined," the lett...