Pune: AAIB Launches Detailed Probe Into Baramati Learjet Plane Crash
Pune: AAIB Launches Detailed Probe Into Baramati Learjet Plane Crash
Pune, January 29, 2026: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a detailed investigation into the Learjet 45 crash near Baramati that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The inquiry will closely examine visibility conditions, pilot decision-making and operational constraints at the uncontrolled Baramati airfield.
A specialised AAIB team reached the crash site on Wednesday evening and began on-ground forensic work, including securing wreckage, documenting debris patterns and collecting critical evidence. Officials said the aircraft crashed during its second attempt to land, prompting investigators to analyse technical, operational and environmental aspects of the flight.
Investigators have sought aircraft maintenance records, engine and airframe logbooks, inspection histories and onboard documents from the operator, VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Crew qualification details and certification records have also been requisitioned from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Radar data, cockpit communications, CCTV footage and airfield communication logs are being examined to reconstruct the final moments of the flight.
The Learjet, registered as VT-SSK, was operating a charter flight from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed around 8.44 am on Wednesday, killing two pilots and three passengers.
According to the civil aviation ministry, the aircraft made initial contact with Baramati airfield at 8.18 am. During the first approach to Runway 11, the crew reported poor visibility and executed a missed approach. During the second attempt, the aircraft was cleared to land, but no readback of the clearance was received. Moments later, flames were seen near the runway threshold.
Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield without Airports Authority of India-managed air traffic control, a factor expected to be a key focus of the probe. Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the investigation would be transparent and thorough, cautioning against drawing conclusions at this stage.
The DGCA noted that visibility at the time was reported at around 3,000 metres with calm winds, and the crew had been advised to descend under visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft operator said the jet was airworthy and maintained as per norms, while aviation experts pointed to limited navigation aids and reliance on visual cues as potential risk factors.
The AAIB has formally taken charge of the investigation and said further details will be shared as analysis progresses.
