Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66) reportedly died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning, in which four others also lost their lives. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu disclosed critical details leading up to the tragedy, stating that the aircraft first contacted Baramati Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 8:18 am, indicating readiness to land on Runway 11. At around 8:42 am, the pilot informed ATC that poor weather conditions had reduced visibility, making the runway unclear, prompting the aircraft to circle in the air.
During a second landing attempt at 8:43 am, the pilot reported that the runway was visible, following which ATC granted landing clearance. However, there was no further communication from the cockpit. At exactly 8:44 am, flames were spotted near the runway, and officials soon confirmed that the aircraft had crashed. Emergency teams rushed to the spot, but all five occupants on board were declared dead.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the accident, with multiple possibilities under examination, including engine failure, bird strike, fuel leakage, or adverse weather conditions. Questions have also been raised over whether attempting a landing in low visibility was appropriate and if the aircraft should have been diverted after the first failed approach. Despite the plane having a valid fitness certificate, investigators are probing potential last-minute technical issues and whether experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had over 15,000 flight hours, encountered control problems during the final moments.