Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: What Really Happened Near Baramati | Latest Official Updates
Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash Near Baramati — Full Update
India is mourning a major political leader after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026. The mid-morning accident occurred near Baramati Airport in western Maharashtra, leaving no survivors among the five people on board.
Pawar, 66, was aboard a Learjet 45XR air charter operated by VSR Aviation flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it attempted a second approach to the runway. The aircraft veered off the runway, burst into flames, and was destroyed on impact. All five occupants — including two staff members and two crew — were killed.
Political Shock and State Mourning
Ajit Anantrao Pawar, a seasoned politician and prominent leader in Maharashtra, served as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and was a key figure in state and national politics. News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “shocking and saddening,” praising Pawar’s dedication to public service.
Maharashtra government officials, including Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, confirmed that a formal probe into the crash will be conducted to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
Crash Details and Investigation
Eyewitness accounts and initial reports suggest the aircraft caught fire almost immediately after impact. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and aviation safety authorities are expected to analyze the black box flight recorders to understand what led to the crash, especially since the pilot was experienced and visibility was reportedly clear during the landing attempt.
The exact cause — whether technical failure, human error, or a combination of factors — has not yet been released.
