Raymon Stephens
Baramati, Maharashtra—January 28, 2026:
In a devastating incident on Wednesday morning, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when the private plane he was travelling in crash-landed near Baramati Airport while attempting to land. The tragedy has shaken the state and triggered an urgent investigation by aviation authorities.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Timeline: 8:50 AM Failed Approach
The Bombardier Learjet 45XR, registration VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures, was on a chartered flight from Mumbai to Baramati when it encountered trouble on approach. According to preliminary reports, the aircraft crash-landed off the side of the runway and burst into flames, killing all five people on board — including Pawar, two pilots, his personal security officer and an attendant.
No Survivors Confirmed; DGCA Launches Probe
Emergency responders rushed to the scene amid thick smoke and scattered wreckage, but officials confirmed there were no survivors. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has cordoned off the site and launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Visuals From Crash Site Show Aircraft Split Into Pieces
Footage and eyewitness accounts show the aircraft broken into pieces, with fire and debris strewn across the field near the runway. Local villagers and rescue teams gathered as first responders battled the blaze.
Aircraft’s Troubled Past: Same Aircraft Involved in Previous Crash in 2023
In a startling revelation that has already prompted fresh questions about aviation safety, the **same type of aircraft — a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures — was involved in a previous incident in September 2023. On that occasion, a Learjet 45XR registered as VT-DBL skidded off the runway during landing at Mumbai Airport amid heavy rain and broke into parts. Fortunately, all eight people on board survived and were treated for injuries, but the accident was recorded as a serious runway excursion.
Aviation analysts say this earlier accident underscores concerns about the safety oversight, weather preparedness and maintenance standards for older private jets in India’s charter fleet — issues that investigators will likely scrutinise in the current probe.
Who Was on Board the Flight With Ajit Pawar
- Ajit Pawar, 66, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader.
- Two pilots — the commander and first officer.
- Personal security officer and an attendant.
Pawar was travelling to Baramati to attend and campaign at local election events when the aircraft went down. His death marks a sudden and dramatic end to the career of one of the state’s most influential political figures.
PM Modi, State Leaders Express Shock and Grief
Political leaders across the country have expressed shock and grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar as a “leader of the people” with a strong grassroots connection, while senior state officials mourned the loss of a seasoned administrator.
The DGCA has pledged a full investigation, including examining maintenance records, flight data and weather conditions at the time of the accident. Authorities are expected to release interim findings in the coming days.
Safety Implications
The fact that a similar aircraft operated by the same company was involved in a serious accident in 2023 has already sparked debate among aviation experts about regulatory oversight and risk management in India’s private aviation sector.
As Maharashtra mourns one of its most senior leaders, questions are likely to grow about how this tragedy could have been prevented, and what lessons must be learned to avert future disasters.
Alok Kumar
News Desk
