Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar
In a devastating aviation accident that has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and the nation, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life along with five other individuals when their private charter plane crashed near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The 66-year-old senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was returning to his hometown when the tragedy unfolded, marking a somber day in Indian politics.
Details of the Fatal Flight and Failed Landing Attempts
The ill-fated aircraft, a 15-year-old Learjet 45 bearing registration number VTSSKLJ45 and operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 8:11 AM on January 28, 2026. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the business jet was attempting its second approach to Baramati Airport when the crash occurred at approximately 8:45 AM.
The aircraft made an emergency landing attempt twice before the fatal crash, with the second attempt proving catastrophic. The plane crash-landed near the Baramati airstrip, which was its planned destination located approximately 120 miles from Mumbai. Visuals from the accident site revealed the charred remains of the aircraft completely engulfed in flames following the impact.
Complete List of Passengers and Crew Onboard
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that none of the six individuals onboard survived the tragedy. The Deputy Chief Minister was traveling with:
- Vidip Jadhav - Fellow passenger
- Pinki Mali - Attendant
- Sumit Kapoor - Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- Captain Sahil Madan - Pilot-in-Command
- Captain Yash and Shambhavi Pathak - First Officer and crew member
This flight marked Ajit Pawar's final journey from Mumbai, where he served as the 8th Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The aviation regulator stated in its initial report that "all five persons onboard the aircraft have succumbed to the injuries sustained in the crash", though the actual count appears to be six fatalities including the Deputy CM himself.
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
Air Traffic Control (ATC) records indicate the aircraft was scheduled to reach Baramati, but the emergency landing attempt turned fatal. The DGCA has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, focusing particularly on why the second landing attempt failed so catastrophically.
The tragedy has left Maharashtra's political landscape reeling, with leaders across party lines expressing shock and condolences. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the age and maintenance of the 15-year-old aircraft, as well as the specific factors that led to the failed landing attempts at Baramati airport.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with air travel, even for high-profile political figures, and highlights the importance of stringent aviation safety protocols for all aircraft regardless of their passenger manifest.
