In a tragic aviation incident that has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was among five individuals who lost their lives when a chartered Learjet 45 crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Officials confirmed that all occupants on board the aircraft perished in the devastating accident.
Flight Details and Crash Sequence
The ill-fated flight had originated from Mumbai earlier in the day. During its landing attempt at Baramati airport, the aircraft reportedly lost control, resulting in a catastrophic impact that caused the jet to burst into flames immediately. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR and registered under the tail number VT-SSK, is a mid-size business jet frequently utilized for charter services and official travel purposes.
Victims of the Tragedy
The fatal crash claimed the lives of five people, including prominent political figure Ajit Pawar. The other victims were identified as his Personal Security Officer, Vidip Dilip Jadhav; aircraft attendant Pinky Mali; pilot in command Captain Sumit Kapur; and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak.
Vidip Dilip Jadhav's demise has plunged his neighborhood in Vitawa, Thane into profound mourning. A resident of the area with his family, Jadhav is survived by his elderly parents, a nine-year-old son, and a 14-year-old daughter. A neighbor expressed collective grief, stating, "We have known him ever since he moved here. Today, we lost a man who was friendly with everyone. This is very sad... This is an irreparable loss."
Pinky Mali, who regularly accompanied Pawar on official journeys, had conversed with her father just a day before the accident. Shiv Kumar Mali recounted, "She told me yesterday that she would be going to Baramati with Ajit Dada and that from there she would head to Nanded. She said she would call me from the hotel." He described the horrifying moment of discovery: "When I switched on the TV and saw the news, my limbs started trembling."
Experienced Flight Crew
Captain Sumit Kapur, serving as the pilot in command, brought extensive aviation expertise to the cockpit with more than 16,500 hours of flying experience, marking him as a highly seasoned professional. Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak had pursued aeronautics at the University of Mumbai and received training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, according to her professional background.
Investigation and Conditions
Authorities indicated that weather conditions were favorable at the time of the incident, with clear skies and visibility ranging between 3,000 to 3,500 metres. The investigation into the precise cause of the crash is ongoing, with aviation experts examining all possible factors that might have contributed to this tragic event.
The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar, a significant political leader in Maharashtra, along with his dedicated staff and skilled flight crew, represents a profound tragedy that has deeply affected the state's political landscape and aviation community. The incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety protocols and thorough investigation procedures.
