A chartered Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning while attempting a second landing, triggering a fireball just short of the runway. Early reports say the pilot did not issue a distress call, even as he told air traffic officials that the runway was visible moments before impact.
What we know so far
Flight tracking data reviewed by multiple outlets indicates the aircraft was on its second approach to Baramati when it went down roughly 100 feet short of the runway. The jet had departed Mumbai around 8.10 am and crashed at about 8.45 am, according to initial timelines.
Baramati airport was reportedly blanketed in dense fog, with low visibility cited as a key factor under examination. Despite the weather, there was no SOS or MAYDAY transmission from the cockpit, officials said.
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Witness accounts from the crash site
A local witness told television channels that the descent looked unstable in the final moments. The aircraft hit the ground and erupted into flames, followed by multiple explosions. Residents rushed towards the site but were forced back by intense heat and fire.
Crew and aircraft details
The Learjet 45 was operated by VSR Ventures, a private charter firm. On board were Pawar, his personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav, Captain Sumit Kapoor, First Officer Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities said there were no survivors.
“Runway was visible,” ATC told
A senior official linked to Baramati’s air traffic operations told Hindustan Times that the captain had communicated that the runway was visible shortly before the crash. Baramati’s runway length is 1,770 metres, and investigators are assessing whether fog-induced visual misjudgement or other factors played a role.
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Probe underway
Civil aviation authorities have launched a formal investigation. Wreckage analysis, cockpit voice data, and ATC transcripts are expected to be critical in reconstructing the final seconds. Political reactions have poured in, with calls for an independent, transparent probe gaining momentum.
Pawar was scheduled to address four election rallies in Baramati, his hometown about 250 km from Mumbai, later in the day.
