Tragic Learjet Crash Claims Life of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

The black box from the Learjet that tragically crashed on Wednesday morning, claiming the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, has been successfully retrieved. This crucial device, encompassing both the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, will undergo detailed scrutiny to uncover the reasons behind this deadly incident.

The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures from Delhi, met with disaster while making a second landing attempt at Baramati Airport at approximately 8:45 am. Onboard were 66-year-old Ajit Pawar, along with his personal security officer, an attendant, and two pilots—Sumit Kapur and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak. Tragically, all five individuals on this flight perished.

Ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai around 8 am for a series of election rallies in Baramati ahead of local elections. In the aftermath of the crash, a specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was dispatched to initiate a forensic inquiry.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials disclosed that the last communication from the cockpit included the alarming phrase, “oh s***,” implying an unexpected crisis. Ground control at Baramati airport, handled by pilot cadets from local flight schools, maintained consistent communication with the distressed aircraft.

The Civil Aviation Ministry recounted the events preceding the crash: The aircraft, registered as VT-SSK, made contact with Baramati control at 8:18 am. The experienced pilot, boasting over 15,000 flying hours, and the co-pilot with roughly 1,500 hours, were briefed on conditions, including visibility of about 3,000 meters, and granted clearance for landing at their discretion.

As the plane neared Runway 11, the pilot indicated that the runway was not visible, resulting in instructions to perform a go-around—a standard protocol when a safe landing is not achievable. After circling, the crew confirmed visual contact with the runway and received a landing clearance at 8:43 am. However, they failed to provide the mandatory readback confirmation for this clearance.

At 8:44 am, air traffic control observed flames near the runway, signaling the crash.

Investigations are actively ongoing to ascertain the exact causes of this heart-wrenching incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the state and the nation.