Several hours after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a tragic aircraft accident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released an official account explaining what unfolded in the air moments before the crash near Baramati.
According to the ministry, the Learjet 45 business aircraft, bearing registration number VT-SSK, was attempting to land at the Baramati airstrip when the accident occurred. The jet was being flown by Captain Sumit Kapur and Captain Shambhavi Pathak, both highly experienced aviators with over 15,000 flying hours each.
Officials clarified that Baramati operates as an uncontrolled airfield, meaning there is no permanent air traffic control tower. Instead, pilots receive traffic-related information from instructors or pilots associated with flying training organisations based at the airstrip.
On January 28, 2026, the aircraft established its first radio contact with Baramati at 8:18 am IST. Later, while approaching from a distance of about 30 nautical miles, the flight communicated again before being released from Pune Approach Control. The crew was advised to descend under Visual Meteorological Conditions, with the final decision left to the pilots.
During the approach, the cockpit crew sought updates on weather conditions. They were informed that wind conditions were calm and visibility in the area was approximately 3,000 metres.
As the jet lined up for Runway 11, the pilots informed ground personnel that the runway was not visible. In response, they carried out a go-around, aborting the first landing attempt. Following this manoeuvre, officials requested the aircraft’s position, to which the crew responded that they were once again on final approach to the same runway.
The pilots were instructed to report once the runway came into view. Initially, they replied that the runway was still not visible and said they would update once visual contact was established. Moments later, the crew confirmed that they could see the runway.
At 8:43 am, the aircraft was cleared to land on Runway 11. However, authorities noted that there was no confirmation or readback received from the cockpit acknowledging the landing clearance.
Just a minute later, at 8:44 am, personnel on the ground noticed flames near the runway threshold. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the site, but the aircraft had already crashed.
The ministry stated that the wreckage was later found on the left side of Runway 11, near the threshold area. The individual managing communications at the airstrip at the time of the incident provided a detailed narration of the sequence, which has now become a key part of the official investigation.
