BSF DG, DK Pathak rejected reports that indicated that pilot had raised some objections before taking off but these were turned down by the ground staff.
The Border Security Force (BSF) today said that the Superking aircraft that crashed and killed ten of its highly experienced personnel was completely "airworthy" and was flying very well as it refuted allegations about any possible defect in the ill-fated plane.
"This aircraft was 20-years-old and in the aviation (domain) an aircraft has life till 40-45 years. In the aviation (domain) such a plane is not considered old as required parts are changed from time to time... Only two days back this aircraft did a good duty and a day back it had carried back officers from Bhuj (from the DG/IG meeting)," BSF Director General DK Pathak said.
"There was no problem in the aircraft and it was completely airworthy. I would like to add that till the time an aircraft is airworthy, there is no problem in flying it," he added.
He said the main probe into the crash is being done by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The BSF chief said the plane B-200, registered as VT-BSA, was flying about three-four days in a week.
The plane was carrying the stipulated load yesterday, said Mr Pathak, and refuted reports that the crash had something to do with excess weight as a few personnel were asked to board it at the last moment. The plane had a capacity to carry 11 passengers, he said.
He was speaking after paying the ceremonial last tributes and placing of wreaths on the mortal remains of the ten personnel who were killed in the crash yesterday, at the Safdarjung airport here.
The event was also attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Ministers of State for Home Kiren Rijiju and Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary.
Mr Rijiju said that it would not be correct to describe the ill-fated plane as "old". "I have also travelled in it and it is meant for the travel of Ministers and Director General-rank officers," he said.
Mr Pathak rejected reports that indicated that the pilot had raised some objections about the machine before taking off but these were turned down by the ground staff.
"It's a matter of investigation and it would be premature for me to say anything but whatever little we have come to know, I can say whatever you are saying, is not correct. But, still it is a matter of investigation and whatever is there it will come out during the investigation," he said.
Mr Pathak added that the families of these martyrs will get Rs 10 lakh from government funds and Rs 20,78,000 from BSF funds.