Ajit Pawar dies as Learjet crashes in fiery blast during second landing attempt at Baramati

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died along with four others when the Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft carrying them crashed during a second attempt to land at Baramati airport on January 27 morning.

The jet, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, went down just moments before touching down, engulfed in flames, leaving a scene of devastation at the airfield.

Flight data from Flightradar shows the aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am and made a first unsuccessful approach around 8:30 am, likely hindered by poor visibility. The 16-year-old Learjet 45 then circled for a second landing attempt at 8:42 am but disappeared from radar by 8:45 am.

Eyewitnesses reported the plane suddenly dropped about 100 feet before crashing at the threshold of runway 11 in a violent fireball.

“The plane was flying toward the runway and just fell before reaching it,” one witness told ANI. Video footage from the site showed mangled wreckage and thick plumes of smoke rising from the debris, confirming the catastrophic impact.

Onboard were Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two pilots—captain Sumit Kapoor and first officer Sambhavi Pathak—all of whom died in the crash.

The Bombardier Learjet 45, known for its speed and efficiency in the super-light business jet category, was manufactured in 2010 and is designed for short- to medium-haul flights. Owned by VSR Ventures, one of India’s largest charter operators, the jet is typically regarded as safe and reliable.

Officials from VSR Ventures suggested poor visibility might have contributed to the accident, but emphasized the aircraft was fully airworthy and the crew experienced. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed probe, including analysis of flight data recorders and wreckage, to determine the exact cause.

While the Learjet 45 in question had no prior accident history, a similar model operated by VSR Ventures suffered a serious crash in Mumbai in September 2023 during adverse weather, although all occupants survived.

This tragic incident not only marks a devastating loss for Maharashtra’s leadership but also raises urgent questions about flight safety and operational risks during challenging weather conditions at regional airports.