Ajit Pawar plane crash reason: Bad weather or technical glitch?

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash, All Onboard Killed

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar died after the Learjet 45 aircraft he was travelling in crashed-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, officials confirmed. All five people on board, including Pawar, his personal security officer, attendant, and two crew members, lost their lives in the accident.

Possible causes of the crash

Preliminary investigations suggest a possible technical malfunction, coupled with poor visibility due to dense fog in the Pune and Baramati region, may have played a role in the fatal crash of Pawar’s aircraft. Aviation authorities are probing the exact cause.

According to News18, the pilot attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft reportedly went out of control. FlightRadar24 stated that the Learjet 45 was attempting a second approach to Baramati Airport after a go-around on its first attempt when the crash occurred. The jet’s last recorded speed was 157 knots (approximately 290 km/h).

The crashed aircraft, a Learjet 45XR built in 2010 by Bombardier Aerospace, was about 15–16 years old and had a maximum capacity of nine passengers, including the crew. The Learjet 45 series first flew in 1995, with production running from 1998 to 2007 and the 45XR variant into the early 2010s. VSR Aviation, the operator of the VT-SSK aircraft, could not be reached for comment.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether technical issues, weather conditions, or a combination of factors led to the tragedy.

Flight details and crash circumstances

The chartered aircraft, registered VT-SSK and operated by VSR, had departed from Mumbai at 8:10 AM for Baramati. According to ATC reports, the plane attempted an emergency landing near the threshold of Runway 11 at around 8:48 AM IST but lost control, collided with a rock, and caught fire immediately. Rescue teams rushed to the site, and the wreckage showed smoke rising as emergency operations began.

Victims confirmed

Apart from Ajit Pawar, the deceased included Vidip Jadhav, Pinky Mali, Sumit Kapoor, and Sambhavi Pathak. Officials stated there were no survivors.

Response from leaders and family

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to inquire about the incident. NCP leaders, including Supriya Sule and Pawar’s family members, were reported to be heading to Baramati. The area has been cordoned off while authorities and aviation officials continue investigations.

About the aircraft

The Learjet 45 is a mid-size business jet known for its advanced avionics, strong performance, and spacious cabin, commonly used for charter and official travel.