What Caused the Learjet 45 Crash That Killed Indian Deputy CM Ajit Pawar?
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Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others died in a chartered Learjet 45 crash near Baramati on January 28; poor visibility is a suspected factor.
Key Takeaways
- •Five fatalities, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, occurred in a Learjet 45 crash on January 28, 2026, near Baramati.
- •The chartered aircraft, operated by VSR Venture, crashed during a landing attempt; preliminary reports cite poor visibility as a potential factor.
- •India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are conducting a full forensic probe into the accident.
- •The crash has created a political vacuum in Maharashtra and intensified scrutiny on private charter jet safety and regulatory oversight in India.
The commercial aviation world is focusing on India following a tragic charter jet crash.
Prominent Indian politician Ajit Pawar was killed in the accident. The crash happened on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, near Baramati, Pune district, Maharashtra. The aircraft, a Learjet 45, went down during a landing attempt. All five people on board the flight perished in the crash. The loss of the state's Deputy Chief Minister sent shockwaves across India's political landscape.
The Fatal Flight Details
The chartered flight took off from Mumbai. Its destination was Baramati, Pawar's political stronghold. The aircraft belonged to the Delhi-based charter company VSR Venture. It disappeared from radar around 8:45 a.m. local time. The crash occurred shortly after, around 8:50 a.m.. The wreckage was found scattered in an open field. Reports confirm the plane burst into flames upon impact.
Five people were confirmed dead by authorities. They included Ajit Pawar, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. The other victims were two pilots, a flight attendant, and Pawar's personal security officer. The pilots were Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Shambhavi Pathak.
- Ajit Pawar (Deputy Chief Minister)
- Captain Sumit Kapoor (Pilot-in-Command)
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak (Co-pilot)
- Vidip Jadhav (Personal Security Officer)
- Pinky Mali (Flight Attendant)
Aviation Investigation Underway
India's top aviation safety bodies immediately launched a probe. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the fatalities. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reached the Baramati crash site quickly. Their role is to conduct a forensic probe into the accident.
Preliminary information suggests a key factor in the crash. Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu commented on the conditions. He stated that visibility was poor at the time of the landing. The aircraft crashed approximately 200 meters short of the tabletop airstrip. The investigation will focus on weather, pilot actions, and aircraft maintenance records. The State police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also began a separate probe.
Focus on Charter Safety
The accident highlights the scrutiny on private charter jet safety in India. The Learjet 45 is a popular mid-size business jet. Its operational history and maintenance records will be closely examined. The DGCA oversees all non-scheduled operator permits (NSOPs). The findings will determine if VSR Venture followed all regulatory safety protocols.
This tragic event puts renewed pressure on the DGCA. They must ensure Indian aviation safety regulations are strictly enforced. The safety of VIP and charter operations is a critical concern. The AAIB's final report will be vital for future policy changes.
Political Ramifications
Ajit Pawar was a veteran leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics for decades. His death creates a significant political vacuum in the state. The state government declared three days of mourning. The political impact extends beyond the state. The death also halted talks for a potential merger of the two NCP factions. The aviation tragedy has therefore caused widespread political and public grief.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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