Learjet 45 Crash Kills Ajit Pawar: What Caused the Baramati Tragedy?

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in an air crash. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Learjet 45 business jet crashed near Baramati airport. All five people on board were killed. This included the prominent Indian politician and four others. The accident has led to a major investigation.

Accident Details

The ill-fated aircraft was a Learjet 45, registration VT-SSK. It was operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR Ventures. The flight originated in Mumbai, heading to Baramati. The five fatalities included Mr. Pawar, two pilots, and two staff members. The crash happened during a landing attempt at Baramati airport. Reports suggest the aircraft was attempting a second landing. It impacted the ground and caught fire.

Investigation and Preliminary Theories

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is overseeing the probe. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the technical inquiry. Investigators quickly secured the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR). This crucial data will reveal the aircraft's final moments. The DGCA confirmed all five people died.

Potential Causal Factors

Aviation experts are examining several theories. These possibilities include an aerodynamic stall. Another theory is an engine failure during the approach. A third focuses on a late visual alignment with the runway. CCTV footage reportedly showed the jet banking steeply. This steep bank occurred at a low altitude before impact. The final cause is pending the AAIB's full analysis. The pilot did not give a readback of landing clearance. This is a potential procedural issue.

Regional Airport Infrastructure Concerns

The accident highlights significant aviation safety concerns. The Baramati airport is an uncontrolled airfield. It relies heavily on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) approaches. The airport lacks modern navigation aids. Specifically, it has no Instrument Landing System (ILS) or runway lights.

Visibility was reported at 3,000 meters. Experts noted VFR operations ideally require over 5,000 meters. This poor visibility may have contributed to the crash. Pilots must visually spot and align with the runway. The lack of ILS increases risk in marginal weather. The accident puts a spotlight on regional airport infrastructure.

Industry Impact and Next Steps

This tragedy affects India's non-scheduled operator segment. The Learjet 45 is a common business jet. Bombardier, the manufacturer, is supporting the investigation.

Key takeaways for the industry:

• The AAIB probe will focus on crew actions and aircraft performance.
• The DGCA may review safety protocols for VFR operations.
• There is renewed pressure to upgrade regional airports.
• Improved infrastructure, like ILS, could mitigate weather risks.

The investigation is expected to take several months. Its findings will be critical for future charter aircraft safety in India. The final report will guide regulatory changes.

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