Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Four Others
In a devastating aviation incident, the aircraft carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crashed at the Baramati airfield on Wednesday morning. The tragedy unfolded mere moments after the aircraft received clearance to land, resulting in the loss of all five individuals onboard, including two crew members. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released preliminary details based on communications from the air traffic controller at the site.
Timeline of the Fatal Incident
The sequence of events began with the aircraft, registered as VI-SSK, establishing initial contact with Baramati at 8:18 AM. After being released by Pune Approach, the crew communicated when approximately 30 nautical miles inbound. They were advised to descend under Visual Meteorological Conditions at their discretion. When inquiring about local weather, the crew was informed that winds were calm and visibility stood at around 3,000 meters.
The first approach to Runway 11 was aborted as the crew reported the runway was not in sight, prompting a go-around maneuver. Following this, the aircraft repositioned for another final approach. After initially stating the runway remained out of sight, the crew reported visibility a few seconds later.
Final Moments Before the Crash
At precisely 8:43 AM, the aircraft received clearance to land on Runway 11. However, crucially, the crew did not provide a readback or acknowledgement of this clearance. Just one minute later, at 8:44 AM, flames were observed near the threshold of Runway 11, triggering immediate deployment of emergency services to the crash site.
The wreckage was subsequently discovered on the left side of the runway, adjacent to the threshold of Runway 11. The rapid response of emergency personnel could not prevent the tragic outcome, with all occupants perishing in the incident.
Baramati's Uncontrolled Airfield Status
An important contextual detail emerges regarding Baramati airfield's operational classification. The location is designated as an uncontrolled airfield, meaning it lacks a full-fledged Air Traffic Control unit. Instead, traffic information is typically shared by instructors or pilots from flying training organizations operating at the airport. This operational characteristic may become relevant as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigation Launched by Aviation Authorities
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has officially taken charge of the probe into this catastrophic event. Investigators will meticulously examine multiple factors including:
- Weather conditions at the time of the incident
- Aircraft maintenance records and airworthiness
- Pilot communications and decision-making
- Airfield operational procedures and safety protocols
- Technical aspects of the aircraft's performance
This comprehensive investigation aims to determine the precise chain of events that led to this tragedy and identify any contributing factors that might inform future aviation safety measures.
The crash has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political circles and aviation community, raising urgent questions about safety protocols at smaller airfields and the circumstances that led to this fatal incident involving a senior political figure.
