Ministry of Civil Aviation Provides Comprehensive Update on Baramati Plane Crash Investigation
In the aftermath of the devastating plane crash in Baramati that resulted in the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has issued a detailed statement regarding the ongoing investigation into this catastrophic aviation incident. The ministry emphasized that all necessary response protocols and investigative procedures were activated immediately following the crash, with MoCA reaffirming its commitment to conducting a transparent, thorough, and time-bound inquiry as its utmost priority.
Current Status of Investigation and Key Developments
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revealed several significant developments in the investigation process that have occurred since the tragic event unfolded. According to official statements from MoCA, a specialized team consisting of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) based in Delhi successfully reached the crash site on January 28th to commence their detailed examination of the wreckage and surrounding area.
Simultaneously, a separate team comprising three officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Mumbai Regional Office also arrived at the Baramati crash location on Wednesday to participate in the comprehensive investigation. The ministry further confirmed that the Director General of the AAIB personally visited the crash site on the same day, with MoCA officials stating that the investigative process is advancing "expeditiously" to determine the precise causes of this fatal aviation accident.
In a crucial development for the investigation, the black box of the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft has been successfully recovered from the crash site. This critical flight data recorder has been promptly transferred to the DGCA for detailed analysis and examination, which is expected to provide vital insights into the final moments before the tragic incident occurred.
Detailed Chronology of Events Leading to the Fatal Crash
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released preliminary findings that meticulously detailed the sequence of events preceding the fatal crash in Baramati. According to the official timeline provided by MoCA, the aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar, registered as VT-SSK, initially established contact with Baramati airport at precisely 8:18 am Indian Standard Time.
The subsequent communication between the aircraft and Baramati airport occurred when the plane was approximately 30 nautical miles away from its intended destination. During this exchange, airport authorities advised the pilots to initiate descent at their discretion based on prevailing flight conditions and operational requirements.
At the time of this second communication, the aircraft crew specifically inquired about current wind conditions and visibility parameters. They were informed that visibility in the area was approximately 3,000 meters, which should have provided adequate visual reference for landing procedures under normal circumstances.
The next significant contact between the aircraft and Baramati airport took place just prior to the final approach toward runway 11. During this critical phase, the crew communicated to airport authorities that the runway was "not in sight" and consequently initiated a go-around maneuver to prepare for a second landing attempt.
Following the completion of the go-around procedure, air traffic control once again queried the aircraft about its precise position. The crew responded that they were once more on their final approach toward runway 11, continuing their landing sequence despite the earlier visibility challenges.
When specifically asked again whether the runway was visually identifiable, the crew initially responded in the negative before confirming, just seconds later, that the runway was indeed in sight. Upon receiving this confirmation, air traffic control granted clearance for the aircraft to land on runway 11 at exactly 8:43 am IST.
However, in a notable deviation from standard aviation protocols, the crew of VT-SSK failed to provide the customary readback of the landing clearance, which typically serves as a crucial safety verification step in aviation communication procedures.
Tragically, just one minute later at 8:44 am IST, air traffic controllers observed flames erupting at the threshold of runway 11, immediately triggering emergency response protocols. Rescue and emergency services were promptly dispatched to the crash site, where they discovered the wreckage of the Learjet 45 positioned on the left side of runway 11.
Additional Critical Details Emerging from the Investigation
Further investigation has revealed that the Learjet 45 aircraft involved in this tragic incident was being operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures. Official records indicate that the aircraft had undergone its most recent comprehensive safety audit in February 2025, providing important context regarding its maintenance history and airworthiness status prior to the fatal flight.
According to a senior DGCA official quoted by Hindustan Times, the final words captured from the aircraft crew were "oh s**t," offering a haunting glimpse into the final moments before the catastrophic crash occurred.
In addition to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the aircraft was carrying his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and attendant Pinky Mali. The flight was operated by two experienced pilots: Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Shambhavi Pathak, all of whom tragically lost their lives in this devastating aviation accident that has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political landscape and the broader aviation community.
