Baramati Learjet 45 Aircraft Crash (2026) was a business jet accident involving a Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) that occurred on 28 January 2026 in the town of Baramati in the Indian state of Maharashtra, resulting in the deaths of five people including the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The aircraft, owned by VSR Ventures, crashed and caught fire near the threshold of Runway 11 at approximately 08:45 while attempting to land from Mumbai to Baramati. The official cause of the crash has not yet been released, and a comprehensive investigation has been launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Flight Path and Crash Moment
The Learjet 45 with registration VT-SSK took off from Mumbai at 08:10 on the morning of 28 January 2026, with plans to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district, Maharashtra. According to FlightRadar data, the aircraft made its first approach around 08:30 but failed due to poor visibility. A second approach was initiated at 08:42, and the aircraft lost radar contact around 08:45.
The crash occurred near the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati Airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) report, the aircraft “struck the ground during approach to Baramati Airport, killing all on board.” No emergency call (mayday) was made by the pilots. The DGCA’s preliminary assessment indicates that the aircraft was unable to see the runway during descent. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported as foggy with visibility ranging between approximately 800 and 3,000 metres.
Witnesses reported hearing four to five explosions after the aircraft impacted the ground. The aircraft was completely engulfed in flames shortly after the crash and reduced to ashes within minutes. According to NDTV, airport operations were immediately suspended and rescue teams were dispatched to the site.
The DGCA incident report confirmed that the crash occurred on 28 January 2026, the operator was VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., the aircraft type was Learjet 45, its registration was VT-SSK, and there were five people on board. The report also noted that Baramati Airport is classified as an “uncontrolled airport,” with air traffic services provided by flight training organizations rather than the Airports Authority of India.
Aircraft and Technical Details
The aircraft involved in the crash was a twin-engine business jet of the Bombardier Learjet 45XR model, operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited and registered as VT-SSK. The Learjet 45 model was manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009.
The Learjet 45 is an eight-passenger business jet with a range of approximately 2,000 to 2,235 nautical miles. It can reach a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet (approximately 15,545 metres). Its cruise speed ranges between Mach 0.78 and 0.81. The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines. The wingspan is recorded as 47 feet (approximately 14.3 metres), and its maximum takeoff weight is approximately 9,752 kilograms. The model was designed for short to medium-range flights.
Victims of the Crash
The victims included Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66), personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav, cabin crew member Pinky Jadhav, and two pilots: Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak.
Pilot Sumit Kapoor served as the captain. According to the Times of India, Kapoor had “16,500 hours of flight experience.” First officer Shambhavi Pathak held a commercial pilot license and was employed by VSR Ventures, according to Indian civil aviation records.
Cabin crew member Pinky Jadhav was serving as a flight attendant on board. Personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav had been serving as Ajit Pawar’s long-time personal protection officer. All passengers’ bodies were found charred after the crash; Ajit Pawar’s identity was confirmed through his wristwatch.
The bodies of the victims were transferred to the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar State Hospital in Baramati. A large crowd gathered outside Baramati Hospital after Ajit Pawar’s body was brought there.
Ajit Pawar’s Flight Route and Mission
Ajit Pawar departed from Mumbai for Baramati on the morning of 28 January 2026. The purpose of the flight was to attend four separate public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad (district council) elections. Prior to the crash, Pawar had attended a Union Cabinet Committee meeting in Mumbai, chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Baramati is a political stronghold long represented by the Pawar family. The Times of India reported, “Baramati witnessed Ajit Pawar’s rise under the political influence of the Pawar family; the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister spent his final moments here.” Ajit Pawar had represented the Baramati constituency for seven terms since 1991. On 27 January, the day before the crash, after completing official duties in Mumbai, Pawar departed for Baramati by private aircraft in the early morning.
Investigation and Statements
Following the crash, operations at Baramati Airport were temporarily suspended. Rescue teams and fire units were dispatched to the site. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) issued its initial report on the incident with the following details: “Incident Report – 28.01.2026. Operator: VSR. Aircraft type: Learjet 45. Registration: VT-SSK. Location: Baramati Airport. Personnel on board: 5 (including crew). Details: The aircraft crashed during landing at Baramati Airport. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was on board with his personal security officer, cabin attendant, and two crew members. According to initial information, none of the five persons on board survived.”
The Ministry of Civil Aviation of India announced the launch of a comprehensive investigation. Teams from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) were deployed to the site. It was stated that technical data and flight recorders would be examined during the investigation. The DGCA stated, “Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, reviewing flight data and statements from eyewitnesses.” The report also noted, “Baramati is an uncontrolled airport where air traffic services are provided not by the Airports Authority of India but by flight training institutions.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also called for an independent judicial inquiry into the cause of the crash.
Official Reactions and Mourning Period
Following the crash, the Maharashtra Government declared a three-day official mourning period across the state. On the same day, a public holiday was announced throughout the state.
President of India Droupadi Murmu described Ajit Pawar’s death as “an irreparable loss.” In a statement posted on her X account, she said, “It is deeply tragic that many individuals, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, lost their lives in an aircraft crash in Baramati. The untimely death of Ajit Pawar is an irreparable loss.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on the social media platform X, said of Ajit Pawar, “Ajit Pawar was a leader who emerged from the people; he was widely respected for his dedication and hard work in serving the people of Maharashtra. He was known for his administrative acumen and passion for empowering the underprivileged. His untimely death is deeply shocking and sorrowful.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a message issued the same day, said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Throughout his long career in public service, he remained committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra.”
Home Minister Amit Shah also contacted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the incident. The Maharashtra government announced, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to obtain information and updates regarding the Baramati aircraft crash.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cancelled all their scheduled engagements and travelled to Baramati. On the same day, Fadnavis stated, “Losing such a leader is an unprecedented loss. He was a close personal friend in my life. We faced numerous challenges together. His untimely death during a period of significant contribution to Maharashtra’s development is a great loss.”
Congress Party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi extended condolences to the Pawar family. Priyanka Gandhi said, “I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their supporters. I have spoken with Ajit Pawar’s wife and Mrs. Supriya.” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her grief on social media, writing “I am shocked and saddened,” reiterated her call for a judicial inquiry under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
In addition to the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defence Minister, chief ministers of states across India and leaders of opposition parties have also issued official condolences following the death of Ajit Pawar.
