Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: The preliminary investigation into the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Minister Ajit Pawar has flagged low visibility and safety gaps at the Baramati Airport on January 28. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed while trying a second landing attempt at the Baramati Airport, claiming the lives of all five passengers on board, including Ajit Pawar.
What Did Preliminary Investigation Reveal?
According to the preliminary report, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), on the day of the accident, the tower was staffed by a ground instructor from one of the FTOs, who was communicating with the aircraft to assist landing. While approaching Baramati, the crew of VT-SSK asked about visibility, to which the tower responded that it was 3,000 meters, based on observations from the visibility markers.
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While issuing the landing clearance, the tower reported winds as calm. However, according to the report, the visibility at Baramati Airport at the time of landing was well below the prescribed limits required for VFR flight, which is 5,000 meters (5 km).
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According to the preliminary report, the aircraft was attempting to land on Runway 11 at Baramati after receiving landing clearance from the tower. However, it crash-landed to the left of the runway, near the threshold of Runway 11.
According to News18, Baramati Airport is an uncontrolled airstrip without a full operational air control tower, requiring pilots to rely on visual cues and local traffic information while landing.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar was killed in a tragic plane crash in Baramati on January 28. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed while trying a second landing attempt at the Baramati Airport, killing all five passengers on board, including Ajit Pawar.
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Nearly a month after his demise, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, took charge as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra and NCP supremo.