Pune | January 28, 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66) and four others were killed on Wednesday morning after a Learjet aircraft crash-landed at Baramati Airfield in Pune district, officials confirmed. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the state and the country.
According to police officials, the aircraft VT-SSK, a Learjet 46, had departed from Mumbai at 8:10 am and disappeared from radar around 8:45 am. The plane crash-landed at approximately 8:50 am, killing all five people on board, including Pawar, two pilots and two security personnel.
AAIB Team Leaves Delhi to Inspect Crash Site
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has left Delhi to conduct an on-site investigation at Baramati. Officials said the probe will focus on technical parameters, flight data and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft was airworthy and properly certified at the time of the accident. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025, and was valid on the day of the flight.
Flight and Crew Details
Flight tracking data from FlightRadar shows that the aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am before vanishing from radar during its final approach to Baramati.
Crew details released by authorities indicate that both pilots were licensed, current and medically fit:
- Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with over 15,000 hours of flying experience.
- Last Instrument Rating & Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC): August 18, 2025
- Medical validity: till May 19, 2026
- Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with approximately 1,500 flying hours.
- Medical examination valid till July 24, 2026
Investigators will now analyse cockpit voice recordings, flight parameters and ground conditions to determine the exact cause of the crash.
PM Modi, Leaders Express Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, calling the incident “deeply painful.” The Prime Minister said Pawar made significant contributions to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the field of rural welfare, and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed profound grief, describing the loss as “heart-wrenching and deeply personal.” Calling Ajit Pawar a mass leader with a strong connect to the people, Fadnavis said he was numb and at a loss for words. He paid heartfelt tributes, remembering Pawar as a brave friend with a large heart.
State in Mourning
Ajit Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, was on an official schedule when the crash occurred. Security has been tightened in Baramati, while arrangements are being made for last rites with full state honours.
Further details are awaited as the AAIB investigation progresses.
