Ajit Pawar jet crash: What pilot told ATC

KATHMANDU: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport in Pune district.

Four others aboard the private jet also lost their lives on Wednesday morning.

A Bombardier Learjet 45 business aircraft, registered VT‑SSK and operated by a charter firm, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed during its second attempt to land amid challenging conditions.

The crash occurred shortly after 8:40 am local time near runway 11.

Officials said visibility was reduced in dense morning mist, forcing the jet to abort an initial landing attempt before a second approach ended in disaster.

The aircraft veered off the runway and caught fire on impact, leaving no survivors.

All five people on board — Pawar, two security personnel, and two pilots — died in the accident, confirmed by aviation authorities.

Sequence of the Flight

• The Learjet took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 am.

• It made an initial landing attempt at Baramati but returned to the air due to poor visibility.

• On its second approach, the aircraft lost contact and went down near the runway approximately 200 metres short of the threshold.

Eyewitnesses described seeing the aircraft descending low before crashing and bursting into flames, hampering rescue efforts.

Political Impact and Reactions

Ajit Pawar, 66, was a leading figure in Maharashtra politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and leaders from various political parties expressed deep sorrow.

A three‑day state mourning has been declared in Maharashtra.

Investigation Underway

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken charge of the inquiry.

Investigators are reviewing flight data, communications with air traffic officials, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records.

Authorities have cautioned against early speculation on the cause of the crash.