New CCTV Footage Adds Crucial Visual Evidence to Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Investigation
Recently surfaced CCTV footage has provided a stark visual layer to eyewitness accounts of the tragic crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others near Baramati airport. The video captures the private jet tilting sharply moments before impact, strongly suggesting a sudden loss of stability during its final descent in challenging weather conditions.
Eyewitness Accounts Corroborated by Visual Evidence
Residents living around the elevated runway reported that the aircraft appeared to struggle during its landing attempt, circling once before banking aggressively and spiraling downward. CCTV visuals circulating on social media appear to validate these observations, showing the aircraft's wings rolling to a steep angle as it rapidly lost altitude.
Anita Atole, a resident of Gojubavi village located approximately 12 kilometers from the Pawars' hometown and close to the runway, described the harrowing scene: "There was a huge fire in the air and smoke billowed. We ran towards the site. Within a few minutes, fire brigade vehicles came on the runway, but were unable to reach the crash site in the absence of a metallic road."
She continued, "The vehicles had to go around and take the non-metallic road leading to the spot. We didn't know Ajitdada was on the plane. We learned about it after the bodies were taken out from the charred remains of the plane. The smell of gasoline spread across the area and lasted well past the afternoon."
Emergency Response Challenges and Witness Testimonies
Emergency responders reached the runway within minutes of the crash, which occurred around 8:45 AM, but access to the actual crash site was significantly delayed. Fire engines were forced to navigate an uneven dirt track instead of a properly paved road, hampering rescue efforts.
Another eyewitness, farmer Raghu Maruti Atole, recounted his experience: "I was feeding the cattle near my house amid fog when I saw a small aircraft going towards the airstrip. Within a few minutes, it returned towards the landing side of the airstrip from the railway gate side. It was swaying and then there was a noise like a blast."
He added, "I ran towards the airstrip, there were flames as high as 50 feet. Metal parts of the aircraft were scattered everywhere. Before I could call anyone or do something, I heard the sirens of the fire brigade vehicles."
Aviation Experts Analyze the Footage and Conditions
Aviation experts examining the footage suggest it points to more than just poor visibility issues. One source indicated that the sharp banking maneuver visible in the video could signal a serious technical malfunction during the landing attempt. Notably, no distress call was issued by the crew before the crash.
Initial assumptions had centered on fog and low visibility conditions, particularly relevant since Baramati operates as an uncontrolled airfield where visibility assessments are made visually rather than through advanced instrumentation. The runway's elevated location further complicates landing approaches during marginal weather conditions.
The Learjet 45, a mid-sized business jet involved in the accident, requires precise handling during landing due to its high approach speed and narrow margin for error. "Any instability on final approach leaves very little time for corrective action," explained a senior test pilot familiar with such aircraft.
Official Timeline and Investigation Details
According to official timelines, the jet contacted Baramati air traffic control at 8:18 AM, attempted a go-around after the crew reported the runway was not visible, and was later cleared to land after stating it was in sight. Moments after receiving clearance, flames were spotted near the runway threshold.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has launched a comprehensive probe into the crash. Apart from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, those who lost their lives in the tragedy included:
- Two pilots
- A flight attendant
- A personal security officer
The investigation will examine multiple factors including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, pilot actions, and airport infrastructure to determine the precise sequence of events leading to this fatal accident.
