Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash: AAIB Flags Poor Visibility, Safety Gaps in Preliminary Report

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 28th February 2026: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report into the fatal crash of a Learjet 45XR aircraft bearing registration VT-SSK at Baramati airfield on January 28, 2026, highlighting poor visibility, limitations of an uncontrolled airfield, and gaps in basic aviation infrastructure as key safety concerns. The crash claimed the lives of all five persons on board, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The business jet, owned and operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Mumbai to Baramati when it crash-landed during the landing phase at around 8.46 am. The aircraft was attempting to land on Runway 11 when it veered left of the runway, struck trees, and caught fire after hitting lower-elevation terrain adjacent to the airstrip.

Aircraft and crew details

According to the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft was a 2010-manufactured Learjet 45XR with valid airworthiness and registration certificates. There were no deferred defects under the Minimum Equipment List at the time of the accident.

The Pilot-in-Command, aged 61, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with over 18,800 hours of total flying experience, including more than 2,800 hours on the Learjet 45XR type. The First Officer, aged 25, held a Commercial Pilot Licence with over 2,400 hours of total flying experience.

Both pilots had prior experience operating into Baramati and other uncontrolled airfields, including VIP flights. Pre-flight breath analyser tests for both pilots were found to be negative.

Baramati airfield and operational limitations

Baramati airfield in Pune district is an uncontrolled aerodrome managed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited. It primarily supports flying training operations and does not have permanent air traffic control, instrument landing systems, or a dedicated meteorological unit. Only Visual Flight Rules operations are permitted.

The inspection found several safety shortcomings, including faded runway markings, loose gravel on the runway surface, inadequate perimeter fencing, and the absence of an in-house aircraft rescue and fire-fighting unit. Emergency services are provided on request through the local municipal corporation.

Weather information at Baramati was being relayed through temporary towers operated by flying training organisations using visual reference markers. At the time of the aircraft’s approach, the reported visibility was around 3 km, significantly below the minimum 5 km required for VFR operations.

Weather conditions and approach sequence

The report notes that visibility in the Pune region on the morning of the accident was affected by haze, mist and shallow fog patches. Satellite imagery indicated the presence of shallow fog in and around Baramati at the time.

During the first approach, the aircraft crew sought visibility updates and subsequently executed a go-around. On the second approach, the crew reported the field in sight and was cleared to land on Runway 11 with winds reported as calm. Moments later, the cockpit voice recorder captured an expression of distress before the aircraft impacted terrain to the left of the runway.

Wreckage and flight recorders
CCTV footage and wreckage distribution suggest the aircraft banked right before impact, struck trees and was engulfed in fire. The cockpit and cabin sections were completely destroyed.

Both the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder were recovered from the tail section but sustained thermal damage. While flight data has been successfully downloaded, cockpit voice data recovery is being carried out with international technical assistance, in line with global aviation investigation protocols.

VIP flight planning and permissions

The investigation revealed that the aircraft was operating a chartered VIP flight. Permission to operate at Baramati was granted strictly for Visual Flight Rules operations. Pune and Mumbai were listed as alternate aerodromes in the filed flight plan.

Interim safety recommendations

Based on the preliminary findings, AAIB has issued interim safety recommendations urging stricter enforcement of Visual Flight Rules minima at uncontrolled airfields. The bureau has also recommended improving basic meteorological facilities, landing aids and safety oversight at such airfields, especially given the increasing number of charter and VIP flights.

The AAIB clarified that the report is preliminary and does not assign blame or liability. Further analysis of flight data, cockpit voice recordings and operational records is underway to determine the root causes and contributing factors behind the crash.

Authorities reiterated that the sole objective of the investigation is to enhance aviation safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.