Maharashtra’s political landscape was rocked Wednesday when Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a fiery plane crash at Baramati Airport. The Mumbai-bound Learjet-45 (VT-SSK) plummeted during landing, killing everyone on board including two experienced pilots, security, and staff—just as Pawar headed for crucial election rallies.
Operated by VSR Ventures, the jet’s operator boasts a 17-aircraft fleet and a clean recent DGCA audit in February 2025. Yet, a prior 2023 incident with a sister Learjet in Mumbai lingers unresolved, raising eyebrows about recurring issues.
Captain Sumit Kapoor’s 15,000+ hours and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak’s 1,500 hours underscored the crew’s credentials, with all certifications up to date. The five victims: Pawar, PSO Vidip Jadhav, attendant Pinki Mali, and the pilots.
At the uncontrolled Baramati strip, post-Mumbai takeoff, the flight contacted local traffic amid stable weather—light winds, 3km visibility. Cleared by Pune for visuals, they go-arounded once after missing Runway 11, then reported it in sight. Landing nod at 8:43 AM went unacknowledged via readback. Seconds later, fire erupted at threshold; the plane swerved off left and disintegrated.
Swift response saw AAIB assuming lead investigation, teams rushing from Delhi. DGCA aids on-ground, prioritizing CVR and FDR analysis. As Baramati mourns, the crash spotlights risks at non-towered fields and private jet ops, demanding urgent safety reforms amid grief-stricken tributes pouring in for the veteran leader.
