A tragic plane crash in Maharashtra’s Baramati on Wednesday morning claimed the lives of five people, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, a Lear Jet 45, caught fire while attempting to land at Baramati airport, leaving no survivors. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to find out what caused the crash.
The incident occurred around 8:48 am when the private jet, flying from Mumbai to Baramati, went off the runway during landing and burst into flames. The aircraft was headed to Pawar’s hometown, where he was scheduled to attend several public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Emergency services rushed to the site soon after the crash, but the fire had already engulfed the aircraft. All five people on board died on the spot.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there were five people on the Lear Jet 45, registration number VT-SSK. The aircraft was operated by VSR and had taken off from Mumbai earlier that morning.
The passengers included Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was travelling for political engagements in Baramati. Along with him was his security team, which included Mumbai Police Special Security Officer and head constable Vidhit Jadhav. Pawar’s personal assistant was also present on the flight.
The aircraft was being flown by two pilots, Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak. Both were experienced crew members and were responsible for operating the jet during the short flight from Mumbai to Baramati.
In addition to the pilots and passengers, a flight attendant named Pinky Mali was also on board. With this, the total number of people on the aircraft stood at five.
Officials later confirmed that all five bodies were recovered from the crash site and shifted to a nearby hospital for post-mortem procedures.
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Initial information suggests that the Lear Jet 45 was attempting to land at Baramati airport when something went wrong at the final stage of the landing process. The aircraft reportedly veered to the side of the runway at the threshold of runway 11.
Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware said the aircraft suddenly lost control during landing. Within seconds of hitting the ground, the jet burst into flames, leaving no time for rescue or evacuation. The fire spread rapidly due to fuel ignition, completely damaging the aircraft.
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Gill confirmed that the bodies were recovered in stages. He said three bodies were found first, and later it was confirmed that all five people on board had died in the crash.
The impact and fire were so severe that the aircraft was reduced to debris, making identification and recovery difficult for emergency teams.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said a special investigation team has been constituted to examine all aspects of the crash.
The probe will focus on several factors, including the aircraft’s technical condition, weather at the time of landing, pilot actions, runway conditions, and air traffic control communication. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders, if recovered, will play a crucial role in understanding the final moments of the aircraft.
Officials said it is too early to comment on whether the crash was caused by technical failure, human error, or external conditions. A detailed report is expected after a thorough analysis.
The crashed aircraft was a Lear Jet 45, a commonly used business jet for chartered and official travel. It was operated by VSR and had been chartered for the deputy chief minister’s travel.
Baramati airport has recently undergone administrative changes. It was handed over to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company not long ago. Before this transfer, the airport was operated by a private operator. Authorities will also review whether runway maintenance or airport infrastructure played any role in the accident.
The news of the crash sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and the country. Political leaders from different parties expressed grief and condolences over the loss of lives. Supporters gathered outside hospitals and party offices as the tragic news spread.
Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party and an influential figure in Maharashtra politics. His sudden death has left a major void in the state’s political landscape.
What was meant to be a routine short flight turned into a devastating tragedy within minutes. The loss of five lives, including that of a senior political leader, has raised serious questions about flight safety and emergency preparedness at smaller airports.
As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. For now, Maharashtra mourns the loss of lives in one of the state’s most tragic aviation accidents in recent times.
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