Emergency landing turns fatal: Ajit Pawar’s aircraft crashes at Baramati Airport
Maharashtra faced a major shock on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft carrying Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Baramati airport. Officials confirmed the deaths of four people on board, including two pilots and two security personnel. Ajit Pawar survived the crash, according to information shared by authorities.
The aircraft took off from Mumbai early in the morning. It headed toward Baramati, Pawar’s political stronghold. He planned to address four public meetings linked to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. However, trouble emerged as the aircraft approached its destination. Consequently, the pilots attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport.
During the landing attempt, the aircraft lost control and crashed near the runway. The jet involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45, chartered from Mumbai for the day’s travel. Soon after the impact, a massive fire broke out. Thick smoke rose from the crash site. Visuals from the area showed flames, shattered metal, and debris spread across the ground.
Emergency teams rushed to the spot within minutes. Firefighters worked to control the blaze. Meanwhile, ambulances reached the area to assist survivors and recover bodies. Officials later said the aircraft suffered extensive damage. In fact, the fire reduced large sections of the jet to ashes.
Authorities confirmed that the two pilots and Pawar’s two security personnel died in the crash. The incident triggered immediate concern across the state. Senior officials from the district administration and police reached the airport to oversee rescue and relief operations. Aviation authorities also began preliminary checks to determine what led to the emergency landing.
The crash disrupted operations at Baramati airport for several hours. As a result, officials restricted access to the site. Security agencies cordoned off the area to preserve evidence. Investigators focused on the wreckage and flight details to understand the sequence of events.
Ajit Pawar was traveling to Baramati at a politically sensitive time. The region remains central to Nationalist Congress Party politics. Pawar has long held influence in local bodies and cooperative institutions. His planned meetings aimed to mobilise party workers ahead of the local polls.
Pawar’s political journey mirrors that of his family legacy. He is the son of Anantrao Pawar, the elder brother of veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Over the years, Ajit Pawar built a strong base in western Maharashtra. He expanded his reach through control of sugar cooperatives and local governance networks. As a result, Baramati emerged as both his home turf and power centre.
Meanwhile, the incident has raised fresh questions about chartered flight safety and emergency preparedness at smaller airports. Aviation officials said they would review technical data and pilot communication records. They also plan to examine runway conditions and weather inputs from the time of the landing attempt.
Political leaders across parties expressed concern following the crash. Many awaited official updates as investigations continued. For now, authorities remain focused on establishing the cause of the accident and ensuring accountability.
