'After dropping Ajit Pawar, I’ll speak to you': Flight attendant Pinky Mali’s father recounts her final promise

A Learjet 46 aircraft crashed at Baramati Airport in Maharashtra on January 28, 2026. The plane was operated by VSR Ventures, a private airline company. It had taken off early in the morning from Mumbai, on a journey that was supposed to go to Baramati and then continue to Nanded. The crash was sudden and tragic, causing the deaths of five people on board.

• The crash resulted in the death of five individuals. Among them was a well-known political leader, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Along with him, his security officer, the pilots who were flying the plane, and a flight attendant also lost their lives.
• The flight attendant's name was Pinky Mali. She had been working as a flight attendant for six years. She was responsible for passenger safety and comfort, and was a familiar face to many travelers.
• Before she started her trip, Pinky Mali had informed her family about her plans. She told them she would be traveling to Baramati, after which she planned to go to Nanded. She also mentioned she would call her family after she checked into a hotel at her destination.
• The aircraft disappeared from radar at around 8:45 am. Just five minutes later, at 8:50 am, the plane crashed. The exact location of the crash was at Baramati Airport, which is in Maharashtra, a state in western India.
• Following the crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, a government agency responsible for studying aviation accidents, started their investigation. Their job is to find out what caused the crash and to recommend safety measures to prevent future accidents.

• As of now, the cause of the crash has not been confirmed. Investigators are carefully examining all the evidence from the crash site, including the condition of the aircraft, weather reports, and communication records.
• Pinky Mali’s family has been informed about her death. Her remains are being taken to Mumbai, where her family can hold a proper funeral and say goodbye. This is an important step for her loved ones to find some peace after such a sudden loss.

• The incident is very significant because it involved a high-profile political figure, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His death has led to sadness and shock across the political community and the public.
• The event also highlights the importance of flight safety. Accidents like this remind everyone how critical it is to have strict safety rules in airplanes and airports, and to investigate accidents thoroughly when they happen. Learning from such incidents can help improve safety measures and save lives in the future.

• The crash happened on January 28, 2026.
• The plane took off from Mumbai at 8:10 am.
• The aircraft was last seen on radar at 8:45 am.
• The plane crashed at 8:50 am, just five minutes later.

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is currently conducting a detailed investigation. They are working to find out what caused the plane to crash. This process can take some time, as they examine all the evidence carefully.
• Their goal is to understand why the accident happened and to make safety recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.

In summary, the crash of the Learjet 46 on January 28, 2026, was a tragic event that took the lives of five people, including a leading political leader. The investigation is ongoing, and the whole incident has raised concerns about flight safety. It has also caused mourning and reflection on how to improve aviation safety standards for everyone’s protection.