Trainer Aircraft Crashes At Baramati Airport, Second Incident Since Ajit Pawar's Fatal Crash

Baramat: A trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-landed at Baramati Airport in Maharashtra's Pune district on Sunday afternoon, marking the second such incident at the airstrip since the fatal plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar earlier this year.

The latest incident took place at around 12:35 pm within the airport complex, close to the runway. No casualties were reported, while the aircraft suffered minor damage, according to reports.

The incident comes months after a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures crashed near Baramati Airport on January 28 while attempting to land. Pawar, along with his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two cockpit crew members, was killed in the crash.

Second Trainer Aircraft Incident In Months

The latest crash-land is also the second incident involving a trainer aircraft at Baramati this year. On May 13, a trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-landed near Gojubavi village, adjacent to the airstrip.

The trainee pilot, who was the sole occupant, escaped safely. Preliminary information at the time indicated that the aircraft developed a technical malfunction while flying at a relatively low altitude. During the emergency landing, part of the aircraft reportedly struck an electric pole before hitting the ground.

The repeated incidents have renewed questions over safety arrangements and infrastructure at the Baramati airstrip, which is used for general aviation and pilot training.

Baramati Airport Set For Safety Upgrades

The airstrip is slated for several infrastructure upgrades, including an independent Air Traffic Control tower, an expanded runway and systems to facilitate safer night-time take-offs and landings.

Plans also include a dedicated fire station and a stronger security wall to improve emergency response capabilities at the airport.

The developments come after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary findings into the January crash highlighted concerns including inadequate visibility conditions, fading runway markings and loose gravel on the runway surface. The AAIB had also recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ensure safety standards are maintained at uncontrolled airfields.

The AAIB is expected to submit its final report into the January crash by January 2027.

The cause of Sunday's latest incident has not yet been established, and further details are awaited from the authorities.

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