Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash: What happened, possible causes, and what comes next
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land near Baramati in Pune district, officials said. Four other people on board, including two pilots and two members of Pawar’s security team, also died in the accident.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, where Pawar was scheduled to attend multiple public engagements linked to upcoming local body elections. The crash occurred close to the runway during the landing phase, triggering a fire that left the wreckage badly charred, according to police and aviation officials who reached the site.
What is known about the crash
Preliminary information suggests the jet attempted to land at Baramati airport amid low visibility conditions in the early morning hours. Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft made one unsuccessful approach before trying again, after which it disappeared from radar and crashed near the runway threshold.
Eyewitnesses at the site told authorities they saw the aircraft descend rapidly before a loud impact and fireball. Emergency responders and local residents rushed to the area, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts impossible. All five occupants were declared dead at the scene.
Officials said the aircraft was privately operated and commonly used for VIP travel. The Learjet 45 has a generally strong safety record, but experts note that smaller airports and weather-related visibility issues can pose challenges during landing.
Investigation underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered a detailed probe, and a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has been dispatched to examine the crash site. Investigators are expected to analyse flight data and cockpit voice recorders, review crew communication, and assess airport infrastructure and weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Authorities have cautioned against drawing early conclusions, saying the exact sequence of events will only be clear after technical analysis is completed. Findings from the investigation are expected to guide any safety recommendations for chartered and VIP flights operating into regional airports.
Political impact and reactions
Ajit Pawar was a central figure in Maharashtra politics, serving multiple terms as deputy chief minister and playing a key role in state governance and party strategy. His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum and is expected to create immediate uncertainty within the state government and his party’s organisational structure.
Leaders from across parties expressed condolences, describing Pawar as an experienced administrator with deep roots in Baramati and wider Maharashtra. The state government announced a period of mourning, and arrangements are being coordinated in Baramati as family members and senior leaders arrive to pay their respects.
Analysts say Pawar’s absence could influence ongoing political alignments and decision-making in the state, particularly with elections approaching. Discussions on succession and administrative continuity are likely in the coming days.
As investigators work to determine what led to the crash, the focus remains on supporting the families of those who died and ensuring transparency in the inquiry. The incident has also renewed attention on aviation safety protocols for chartered flights operating in challenging weather and regional airport conditions.
