Baramati (Maharashtra), January 28, 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar (66) died on Wednesday morning after the aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and the national political landscape.
Officials confirmed that Ajit Pawar and five others on board lost their lives in the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident.
What Happened: Timeline of the Plane Crash
According to flight tracking data, the chartered aircraft took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 am and disappeared from radar near 8:45 am. The jet was scheduled to land at Baramati, where Ajit Pawar was expected to attend four public engagements later in the day.
Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft encountered technical difficulties during landing, forcing an emergency attempt that ended in disaster.
Eyewitness Account: ‘Plane Appeared Unstable’
Eyewitnesses near the airport described terrifying moments as the aircraft approached the runway.
“The plane looked unstable while descending. Within seconds of hitting the ground, there were multiple explosions,” said a local resident who witnessed the crash from a nearby field.
Visuals from the site showed severely charred wreckage, with emergency services, firefighters, and ambulances rushing to control the blaze and secure the area.
Aircraft Details and Official Statement
Learjet 45 Went Off Runway
Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware told officials that the aircraft, identified as VT-SSK, was attempting to land when it veered off the runway and exploded upon impact.
- Aircraft type: Learjet 45
- Operator: Chartered from Mumbai
- Airport status: Recently transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company
Authorities have cordoned off the crash site as forensic and technical teams examine the wreckage.
Cause of Crash Still Unknown
Officials have stated that the exact cause of the emergency landing and crash is yet to be determined. Investigators will analyze:
- Flight data records
- Aircraft maintenance history
- Weather conditions
- Eyewitness testimonies
A detailed report is expected after technical assessments are completed.
Ajit Pawar: A Towering Political Figure
Ajit Pawar was among Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders and the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister (non-consecutively).
Key Political Milestones
- Began political career in 1982 in the cooperative sector
- Elected to Lok Sabha in 1991 from Baramati
- Served as MLA from Baramati seven times
- Held Deputy CM post under:
- Prithviraj Chavan
- Devendra Fadnavis
- Uddhav Thackeray
- Eknath Shinde
In November 2019, he triggered a major political upheaval by splitting the NCP and briefly forming a government with the BJP. In February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the NCP name and symbol to the faction led by him.
Personal Life and Family
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar. The Pawar family has long been central to Maharashtra’s political discourse, particularly in the Baramati region.
Nation in Mourning
Political leaders across party lines expressed shock and grief over Ajit Pawar’s sudden death. Flags were lowered at several government buildings, and preparations are underway for official condolence meetings.