Dark Morning: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Baramati Plane Crash

Learjet 45 Overshoots Runway at 8:45 AM in Baramati, DGCA Probe Begins After Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Crash

A dark morning gripped Maharashtra with news that stunned the political world. A routine flight ended in disaster at Baramati airport. Loss replaced anticipation, and silence followed shock across the state.

A tragic air accident shook Maharashtra on Wednesday morning. A flight meant for a short political visit ended in loss and grief. The incident stunned leaders, supporters, and citizens across the state.

Crash Details Emerge

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed the deaths. The aircraft crashed while landing. No person survived the accident.

Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. He planned to attend four public meetings. These meetings are linked to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Supporters gathered in Baramati for the visit. The tragic crash ended all plans.

The crash took place around 8.45 am at Baramati airport. The aircraft lost balance during landing. It moved off the runway and crashed near the airstrip. Fire and smoke rose from the wreckage soon after impact.

Aircraft and Rescue Response

The DGCA identified the aircraft as a Learjet 45. A Delhi-based charter company named VSR operated the plane. Five people were on board. Ajit Pawar travelled with one personal security officer and one attendant. Two pilots flew the aircraft.

The aviation regulator stated that there were no survivors. Rescue teams reached the crash site quickly. Ambulances rushed to the spot. Doctors at nearby hospitals declared all passengers dead on arrival.

Footage from the site showed heavy damage. The aircraft lay broken into pieces. Parts of the plane were scattered near the runway. Security teams sealed the area to control movement. Airport authorities stopped flight operations for safety checks.

Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware shared early details. He said the aircraft went off the runway during landing. The crash followed within seconds. Officials continue to examine runway conditions and aircraft performance.

Investigation and Political Impact

The DGCA began a full investigation into the Learjet 45 crash. Experts will study flight data and cockpit voice records. Teams will also check weather conditions. Maintenance history of the aircraft will form part of the probe.

Kiran Gujar, a close aide of Ajit Pawar, confirmed the death at the hospital. Family members and senior leaders rushed to Baramati. Grief spread across Pune district and the nearby regions.

Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. He played a major role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Baramati remained his strong political base. Supporters credit him for development work in the region.

Leaders from different parties expressed shock and sorrow. Many described the loss as sudden and painful. The death of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister leaves a major political gap.

The Ajit Pawar plane crash also raised safety concerns. The Baramati plane crash drew attention to charter flight operations. Aviation safety norms may face closer review after the DGCA investigation.

Maharashtra prepares for public mourning. Large crowds are expected in Baramati. The state now waits for the investigation results as it mourns a leader lost too soon.