Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister
Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026. The chartered aircraft, a 16-year-old Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district.
Accident Details
- Time & Location: The crash occurred at approximately 8:46 AM IST in an open field about 50 metres from the runway at Baramati Airport.
- Flight Path: The flight departed from Mumbai at 8:10 AM. After an initial “going around” transmission due to visibility issues, the aircraft attempted a second approach.
- Final Moments: CCTV footage showed the aircraft banking sharply to the right and hitting trees before impacting the ground and bursting into flames. Cockpit recordings captured the pilot saying “Oh S***” seconds before the impact.
- Victims: All five people on board were killed:
- Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Captain Sumit Kapur, Pilot-in-Command (who had filled in for a friend at the last minute).
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak, First Officer.
- Vidip Jadhav, Pawar’s Personal Security Officer.
- Pinky Mali, Flight Attendant.
Preliminary Findings & Investigation
- Visibility: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report noted visibility was 3 km, well below the 5 km minimum required for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at Baramati airfield.
- Infrastructure Gaps: The report highlighted that Baramati airport lacked certified meteorological facilities, had faded runway markings, and no boundary wall.
- CID Probe: The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) initiated a probe to rule out any potential sabotage or foul play.
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