Ajit Pawar's Tragic Crash Rekindles Aviation Safety Fears for Maharashtra's Political Leaders
The state of Maharashtra was plunged into mourning on January 28, 2026, following the devastating plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The incident, which occurred near the Baramati airstrip, has not only shocked the political establishment but has also revived deep-seated concerns about the safety of air travel for the state's top leadership.
A Trail of Aviation Incidents Involving Maharashtra Politicians
Pawar was traveling in a chartered Learjet 45 when the aircraft crashed during its landing approach. All occupants perished in the tragedy, prompting authorities to order a multi-agency investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. This fatal event adds Pawar's name to a worrying list of Maharashtra politicians who have been involved in aviation mishaps over recent years.
The memory of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's harrowing experience remains fresh in public consciousness. On May 25, 2017, Fadnavis narrowly escaped injury when a state-owned Sikorsky helicopter crash-landed near Latur. The aircraft had just taken off from Nilanga when strong winds forced an emergency landing, causing it to strike overhead wires and sustain severe damage. Miraculously, Fadnavis and five others emerged unscathed from the wreckage.
Multiple Close Calls and Technical Failures
Merely days before Fadnavis's incident, another helicopter designated for the chief minister's use developed technical problems in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli on May 22, 2017. This forced the abandonment of the flight, with the leader continuing his journey by road instead.
Safety concerns resurfaced dramatically on October 2, 2024, when a helicopter meant to transport NCP Rajya Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare crashed shortly after takeoff near Pune. The aircraft, which had ferried Tatkare the previous day, was returning to collect him when it went down, killing two pilots and a maintenance engineer. Tatkare, fortunately not aboard at the time, escaped unharmed.
Another alarming incident occurred on May 4, 2024, involving a Bell 407 helicopter in Mahad, Raigad district. The aircraft, which had arrived to pick up Shiv Sena UBT leader Sushma Andhare, crashed while landing at a temporary helipad. The helicopter toppled onto its side, injuring the pilot and damaging the rotors. Andhare, who was in Mahad campaigning for party candidate Anant Geete, had not yet boarded and remained safe.
Recent Near-Misses and Overloading Concerns
A further scare was reported on January 2, 2025, when a helicopter scheduled to fly NCP Sharad Pawar faction chief Sharad Pawar and state party president Jayant Patil failed twice to take off from a temporary helipad in Chiplun. The aircraft was forced to land immediately on both attempts, though no injuries resulted. Media reports suggested the helicopter may have been overloaded after additional security personnel boarded following Pawar's program. The pilot managed to land safely, and the politicians continued their journey by alternative means.
While most of these incidents did not result in fatalities until Pawar's tragic crash, they collectively highlight serious questions about the safety protocols governing chartered aircraft used by political leaders. The pattern of emergencies—from technical failures and weather-related incidents to potential overloading issues—suggests systemic vulnerabilities that demand urgent attention.
The recurring nature of these aviation incidents underscores the need for comprehensive safety reviews and stricter regulations for political air travel in Maharashtra. As investigations into Pawar's crash proceed, the state's leadership faces mounting pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat themselves, protecting both politicians and aviation personnel who facilitate their travel across Maharashtra's diverse terrain.
