Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in Baramati plane crash; DGCA orders probe
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on 28 January 2026 after a chartered Learjet 45 crashed during an attempted landing at Baramati airport. Authorities said the aircraft went down while making a second approach, and a DGCA investigation has been launched as the state announced mourning.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, after a charter aircraft crashed while trying to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the jet, which had taken off from Mumbai, crash-landed in Baramati — Pawar’s constituency — and there were no survivors.
Reports said the aircraft was a Learjet 45 operated by a charter firm and that it was attempting a second approach when it went down. The cause has not been officially confirmed yet, but aviation officials have ordered a detailed probe to examine operational factors, weather and runway conditions, and technical aspects of the flight.
Pawar, a prominent Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, was among the most influential politicians in Maharashtra’s recent history. In the immediate aftermath, senior leaders across party lines conveyed condolences, and the state government announced a mourning period as arrangements were made to transport remains and support affected families.
The crash has also revived a wider debate about general aviation and charter safety, particularly for flights into smaller airfields. Aviation professionals noted that approach stability and visibility are critical on final approach, and that low visibility conditions can leave pilots with narrower margins of error even when standard procedures are followed.
Investigators are expected to review air traffic control communications, radar and flight tracking data, maintenance logs and pilot actions, along with any available CCTV footage from the airfield area. Officials said updates will be provided as the DGCA inquiry progresses.
For Maharashtra politics, the sudden loss of the deputy chief minister triggers immediate questions about succession in government, party leadership and ongoing administrative decisions. Political observers expect coalition partners to meet soon to decide interim arrangements while the state processes the tragedy.