Timeline Of Ajit Pawar's Aircraft Tragedy Revealed: What Happened In Final 35 Minutes Before Baramati Crash?

The Bombardier Learjet 45 business jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crash-landed at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026, resulting in the deaths of all five people on board, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), aviation officials.

What Flight Data Reveals About the Crash?

-The plane carrying Ajit Pawar made two approaches to Baramati Airport. It crashed during the second approach, as per reports.

-The aircraft flew for approximately 35 minutes before the crash, reports said.

-Flight data shows takeoff from Mumbai at around 8:10 AM.

-The plane disappeared from radar at approximately 8:45 AM, indicating the moment of the crash.

-The flight path included a loop around the runway as the pilots attempted to align for landing, as per reports.

-The crash occurred about 80-100 meters from the runway at Baramati Airport, reports said.

-Reports indicate two go-arounds (missed approaches), likely due to poor visibility.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has issued a statement on the incident.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Accident As Per MoCA

Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, where traffic information is provided by instructors or pilots from the flying training organizations operating there. As per the statement of the person manning the ATC facility, the following is the sequence of events:

-On 28 January 2026, the aircraft VT-SSK first established contact with Baramati at 0818 IST.

-The aircraft's next call was at 30 NM inbound to Baramati. They had been released by Pune Approach and were advised to descend in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) at the pilot's discretion.

-The crew inquired about winds and visibility and were informed that winds were calm and visibility was around 3000 meters.

-The aircraft then reported on final approach for Runway 11, but stated that the runway was not in sight. They initiated a go-around on the first approach.

-After the go-around, ATC asked for the aircraft's position, and the crew reported being on final approach for Runway 11 again. They were asked to report when the runway was in sight. The crew replied, “Runway is currently not in sight; will call when runway is in sight.” A few seconds later, they reported that the runway was in sight.

-The aircraft was cleared to land on Runway 11 at 0843 IST; however, the crew did not provide a readback of the landing clearance.

-At 0844 IST, the ATC observed flames around the threshold of Runway 11. Emergency services immediately rushed to the crash site.

-The wreckage of the aircraft was located on the left side of the runway, abeam the threshold of Runway 11.

Aircraft was used by Nara Lokesh recently

Some unconfirmed reports said that this aircraft (Learjet 45, registration VT-SSK) was not recently used by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh. Republic has not independently verified the claims made in those reports.

About the Aircraft

It was operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd (a Delhi-based non-scheduled operator), departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at approximately 8:10–8:11 AM after a delay of nearly an hour. The planned 40-minute flight was to Baramati Airport in Pune district.

What led to the crash?

According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24 and statements from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft attempted an initial landing around 8:30 AM but failed, possibly due to poor visibility or other factors. It then made a second approach before crashing at approximately 8:45 AM near the Baramati airstrip/runway threshold. The plane veered off the runway, crash-landed, and burst into flames, resulting in the total destruction of the wreckage.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead a formal probe into the cause, which remains under investigation. Preliminary factors mentioned in reports include possible poor visibility, issues during the second landing attempt, and the aircraft's age (approximately 16 years old). The operator has stated the aircraft was fully airworthy.

Also Read: Inside Bombardier Learjet 45: All You Need to Know About Ajit Pawar’s Ill-Fated Twin-Engine Jet