Baramati: A preliminary investigation into the plane crash at Baramati airport that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has highlighted serious safety shortcomings at the facility. The report, issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) a month after the tragedy, outlines multiple operational and infrastructure-related shortcomings.
According to the findings, visibility at the time of the crash was limited to just three kilometres. Investigators have cited poor visibility conditions combined with the absence of advanced landing systems as key factors contributing to the accident. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured tense exchanges between the pilots moments before the aircraft went down.
However, the recorder sustained fire damage, limiting the immediate extraction of data. Authorities have sought technical assistance from the manufacturer Honeywell and the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to retrieve additional information. In response to the findings, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been directed to urgently enhance landing aids and upgrade meteorological facilities at airports that frequently handle VIP and private charter operations.
The chartered aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar crashed on January 28, 2026, while attempting to land at Baramati airport. Along with Pawar, the two pilots and two members of his security team lost their lives. The aircraft burst into flames during its second landing attempt. The AAIB stated that a comprehensive probe is continuing, and the wreckage has been sent for detailed technical examination by experts.