Tragedy Strikes as Aircraft Crashes Just 100 Feet From Runway!

Maharashtra politics was shaken on Wednesday following reports of a tragic aircraft accident involving NCP chief and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. According to initial information, the private Learjet 45 aircraft in which he was travelling crashed while attempting to land near Baramati. The flight had departed from Mumbai earlier in the morning, and five people on board were reportedly killed in the accident.

As per official timelines, the Learjet registered as VT-SSK, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited, took off at 8:10 am and established contact with Baramati airport at 8:18 am. While approaching the runway, pilots were informed about prevailing weather conditions, including reduced visibility due to fog. Although visibility of around three kilometres was reported, dense mist near the airport reportedly complicated the landing attempt.

Sources indicate that after an initial failed landing attempt, pilots were advised to perform a “go-around” and reattempt landing on Runway 11. At around 8:43 am, the aircraft’s ADS-B signals stopped transmitting, and minutes later, CCTV cameras near the highway captured visuals of a massive explosion and fire. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe into the incident. Authorities stated that Baramati airport functions as an uncontrolled airfield without a full-fledged ATC tower.