Baramati Plane Crash Investigation Underway
Following the fatal plane crash near Baramati airport on January 28, 2026, which killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, a timeline-based investigation is being conducted. The investigation is being carried out by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the government has zero tolerance for air safety issues and is committed to a thorough and transparent inquiry within a defined timeframe.
Investigation Details
The AAIB and DGCA teams have arrived at the crash site to begin their investigation. The black box of the aircraft has been recovered. Investigators are collecting physical evidence, including wreckage patterns, flight instruments, and engine parts, to reconstruct the final moments of the flight. The DGCA is examining technical and operational aspects, including whether procedures were followed and if any technical fault contributed to the crash.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation released a statement outlining the sequence of events leading to the crash. According to the statement, the aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45 registered as VT-SSK, first contacted Baramati airport at 8:18 am IST. The crew inquired about wind and visibility and were informed that winds were calm and visibility was around 3,000 meters. The pilot reported the runway was not in sight during the initial approach and initiated a go-around. During the second attempt, the pilot reported the runway in sight at 8:45 am, but the aircraft crashed shortly after without any warning. The aircraft crashed about 80-100 meters from the runway.
Additional Factors
Visibility concerns have been raised due to reports of dense fog at the time of the accident. The Baramati airport is a regional airstrip primarily used for pilot training and private plane operations and lacks navigational aids for low visibility conditions.
The aircraft was insured for around Rs 50 crore, with a potential payout of up to Rs 55 crore. ICICI Lombard General Insurance is the insurer, with reinsurance backing.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Baramati plane crash is ongoing, with a focus on determining the cause of the accident through a timeline-based approach. The AAIB and DGCA are working to gather evidence and analyze the sequence of events.
