BARAMATI, Maharashtra – In a tragic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the state, a chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed during a landing attempt at the Baramati Airport on the morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The accident, which occurred at approximately 8:45 AM, has resulted in the loss of five lives, including the veteran leader and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) supremo. The news has plunged his political bastion of Baramati and the wider state into a deep state of mourning as the nation grapples with the sudden loss of one of its most prominent political figures.
What Happened Before the Aircraft Crash
The aircraft, a Learjet 45 operated by the Delhi-based charter firm VSR, had taken off from Mumbai earlier that morning. Mr. Pawar was traveling to Baramati to lead a series of crucial public rallies and attend meetings related to the ongoing Zilla Parishad and local body elections.
As the plane approached the Baramati airstrip for landing, witnesses reported seeing the aircraft struggle with stability. According to preliminary reports from airport officials, the plane appeared to lose balance during its final descent.
“The aircraft encountered severe instability while touching down. It failed to maintain its balance on the runway threshold, veered off, and immediately burst into flames,” stated an official at the scene.
Local residents and airport staff rushed toward the site as thick black smoke began billowing from the wreckage. Despite the rapid response from fire and emergency services, the intensity of the blaze made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
Tragically, officials have confirmed that there were no survivors on board the flight. The victims of the crash include:
- Shri Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Two personal staff members (a Personal Security Officer and a personal attendant).
- The two pilots (the Pilot-in-Command and the First Officer).
Search and rescue teams worked through the morning to secure the area and recover the remains from the mangled fuselage. Visuals from the crash site showed a scene of devastation, with the aircraft almost entirely consumed by the fire.
The news led to an immediate suspension of all flight operations at Baramati Airport. In Mumbai and Pune, shops began to close voluntarily as a mark of respect, and a heavy police presence was deployed to maintain order as crowds of supporters gathered in various parts of the state.
Political Impact and Next Steps
The sudden passing of Ajit Pawar creates a massive vacuum in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Known for his administrative grit and deep-rooted influence in Western Maharashtra, his absence will be felt across party lines. Just 24 hours prior to the accident, he had been active in Mumbai, attending a high-level Cabinet Committee meeting on infrastructure alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Family and Government Response: Upon hearing the news, family members including Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar, and Parth Pawar immediately left Delhi and Mumbai to reach Baramati. Chief Minister Fadnavis and other senior leaders expressed their profound grief, describing the event as a “dark day for Maharashtra.”
Investigation Launched: To determine the exact cause of the disaster, two primary bodies have stepped in:
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): Will look into the flight data and technical maintenance of the Learjet 45.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB): Has initiated a high-level probe to understand if the crash was caused by technical failure, weather conditions, or human error.
The aircraft involved, registered as VT-SSK, will undergo a thorough “black box” analysis to reconstruct the final moments before the impact.
A State in Mourning
As the sun sets on a somber Wednesday, the people of Maharashtra remember a leader who was often called the “powerhouse” of the state’s administration. From his early days in politics to becoming a central figure in the NCP and the state government, Ajit Pawar’s career was marked by a relentless focus on development and local governance.
For now, the focus remains on the investigation and the final rites, which are expected to take place in Baramati with full state honors. The state government is expected to declare a period of official mourning in the coming hours.
Disclaimer:
This blog is a work of original reporting intended for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy based on current reports as of January 28, 2026, all details regarding the cause of the accident are preliminary. For official updates, please refer to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).