Ajit Pawar’s aircraft was on second landing attempt when it crashed at Baramati airport

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati airport when it crashed and burst into flames on Wednesday morning, killing all five persons on board. The Learjet 45 went down around 8.45 am as it tried to land after reportedly facing difficulties during the first approach.

Flight tracking data showed that the jet circled the airport before making a second landing attempt. Officials said the pilot had reported poor visibility near the runway earlier, following which the aircraft tried to realign for landing. During the second approach, the jet reportedly lost control, veered off the runway and crashed.

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft came down roughly 100 feet short of the runway before exploding on impact. A massive fire followed, with multiple explosions reported moments after the crash. Local residents rushed to the site, but the intensity of the blaze made rescue efforts impossible.

A senior aviation official confirmed that there were five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant and two crew members. All of them died in the crash. Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati, where he was scheduled to attend multiple election-related programmes.

A detailed investigation has been ordered into the accident. Authorities are examining flight data, cockpit voice recordings and weather conditions to determine whether technical failure, visibility issues or pilot error contributed to the crash.