In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across India, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a devastating aviation disaster on the morning of January 28, 2026. The Ajit Pawar plane crash near Baramati airport has been captured in harrowing detail by a CCTV camera, offering a chilling glimpse into the final moments of the ill-fated Learjet 45.
The footage, which has since gone viral, shows the aircraft plummeting from the sky before erupting into a massive ball of fire upon impact, followed by thick plumes of smoke and chaos on the ground [[8]]. Eyewitnesses have recounted scenes of intense flames and multiple explosions, painting a picture of utter devastation [[13]].
Table of Contents
- The Final Approach: CCTV Reveals the Horror
- About the Aircraft: The Learjet 45XR
- The Victims: A Tragic Loss of Life
- Official Response and Investigation
- Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning
- Sources
The Final Approach: CCTV Reveals the Horror
The sequence of events leading to the Ajit Pawar plane crash appears to have unfolded rapidly. According to initial reports, the chartered Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR, was attempting an emergency landing at the Baramati airstrip when the pilot seemingly lost control [[1], [5]].
Data from flight tracking services indicated the aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 8:45 AM local time [[12]]. Moments later, the now-infamous CCTV footage captured the horrifying aftermath: a small aircraft crashing behind a shop and instantly transforming into a huge fireball [[10]]. The video provides a stark, silent testament to the sudden and violent nature of the accident, leaving investigators with a critical visual record to analyze.
About the Aircraft: The Learjet 45XR
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45XR, a popular mid-size business jet known for its speed and range [[2]]. This particular model, the XR variant, is an upgraded version with improved performance capabilities. The Baramati Airport, where the crash occurred, features a single runway (11-29) that is 5,500 feet long and 100 feet wide [[4]]. Aviation experts are now scrutinizing whether the runway length, weather conditions, or a potential mechanical failure played a role in the tragedy.
The Victims: A Tragic Loss of Life
The crash claimed the lives of all five people on board. Among them was the prominent political leader, Ajit Pawar, aged 66 [[7]]. The other four victims included the two crew members and two other passengers whose identities are being confirmed by authorities [[19]]. The recovery of charred remains from the wreckage has been a somber task for rescue teams, highlighting the intensity of the post-crash fire [[15]].
Official Response and Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially confirmed the occurrence and has launched a formal probe into the cause of the crash [[14]]. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is also expected to lead a comprehensive investigation to determine the precise sequence of failures that led to this disaster [[21]].
Key areas of focus for the investigation will likely include:
- Pilot communication and actions during the final approach.
- Mechanical integrity of the Learjet 45, including its engines and control systems.
- Weather conditions at the time of the attempted landing.
- Airport infrastructure and emergency response protocols at Baramati.
For more on aviation safety in India, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:aviation-safety-standards-india].
Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning
The Ajit Pawar plane crash is not just a personal tragedy for his family and the NCP party but a significant event for the nation. The shocking CCTV footage serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of aviation safety. As the DGCA and AAIB begin their meticulous work, the country awaits answers, hoping that the findings will prevent such a catastrophic loss in the future. Our thoughts are with the families of all the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
Sources
- Organiser.org – “Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash” [[1]]
- DriveSpark – “Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash” [[2]]
- Aviation Safety Network – “Accident Learjet 45XR VT-SSK” [[4]]
- NDTV – “Ajit Pawar plane crash live updates” [[5]]
- India Today – “Ajit Pawar’s plane crashes, explodes into huge ball of fire” [[8]]
- News18 – “CCTV Captures Ajit Pawar’s Plane Crash In Baramati” [[11]]
- Times of India – “Eyewitness Recounts Explosions, Fire, Chaos” [[13]]
- The Hindu – “Bombardier Learjet 45: The aircraft that crashed with Ajit Pawar” [[19]]
- Business Today – “Ajit Pawar dies at 66: AAIB to investigate Baramati crash” [[21]]