DGCA Begins Investigation After Deadly Crash of Chartered Jet in Baramati
Baramati, 28th January 2026: A political tour ahead of Maharashtra’s local body elections ended in tragedy on Wednesday morning when a chartered aircraft carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport, killing all six people on board.
The senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader had departed from Mumbai and was scheduled to attend a series of campaign events in Baramati, a region closely associated with his political career. According to party sources, Pawar was slated to address four major public rallies during the day as part of the party’s election outreach programme.
Crash During Final Approach:
The accident occurred at approximately 8:45 am as the aircraft was on its final approach to the airport in Pune district. Preliminary information from aviation authorities suggests the jet experienced serious instability during descent.
Officials said the pilot appeared to lose control in the final moments before landing. The aircraft crash-landed and caught fire immediately, with flames rapidly engulfing the fuselage. The blaze destroyed the aircraft completely before emergency responders could contain it.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but no survivors were found. Visuals from the crash site showed charred debris scattered across the ground and thick plumes of smoke rising into the air.
Political Visit Cut Short:
Pawar’s visit to Baramati was part of a broader campaign effort ahead of the upcoming local body polls. The Deputy Chief Minister was expected to address gatherings focused on development initiatives, civic issues, and party mobilisation.
Party leaders described the Baramati programme as politically significant, aimed at strengthening the NCP’s grassroots network in a key stronghold and energising party workers ahead of the elections.
Aircraft Identified as Learjet 45XR:
The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as a Learjet 45XR, a super-light business jet commonly used for executive and charter travel. The jet, registered VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, an Indian non-scheduled aviation services company.
The Learjet 45XR is known for its performance on short- to medium-haul routes and is frequently deployed for corporate and political travel. The aircraft type has a wingspan of about 47 feet and a maximum take-off weight of 9,752 kilograms.
VSR Ventures, headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, provides charter jet services, helicopter operations, air ambulance services, and aircraft leasing. Its fleet includes aircraft such as the Beechcraft Super King Air B200 and Agusta 109 helicopters, in addition to the Learjet series.
DGCA Orders Detailed Investigation-
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash. Authorities are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, and technical systems to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Further details are likely to emerge once investigators complete their preliminary assessment and recover crucial evidence from the crash site.
