A major aviation tragedy was reported on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, after a private aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, crashed while landing at Baramati airport, according to preliminary information from aviation sources.
What we know so far
As per details emerging from Air Traffic Control (ATC) sources and aviation officials, the aircraft involved was a Learjet 45, operated by VSR, bearing registration VT-SSK. The jet had taken off from Mumbai at around 8:10 AM and was attempting to land at Baramati when the incident occurred.
Sources said ATC was informed about the crash at approximately 9:12 AM. However, initial inputs suggest the aircraft crashed near the threshold of Runway 11 at around 8:48 AM IST, during the landing phase.
People on board
There were five people on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. These included Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, two accompanying personnel—one Personal Security Officer (PSO) and one attendant—and two crew members, comprising the Pilot-in-Command and the First Officer.
Casualties feared
According to initial information shared by aviation authorities, the aircraft burst into flames after impact, and no survivors are feared. Officials have indicated that all five people on board are believed to have lost their lives in the accident. Final confirmation from investigative agencies is awaited.
Response and next steps
Emergency services were rushed to the site shortly after the incident. Aviation regulators and investigating authorities have begun preliminary assessments to determine the cause of the crash. More clarity is expected once official statements are issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the state administration.
Meanwhile, political leaders and senior officials are closely monitoring developments as the situation continues to unfold.
This is a developing story…
