A Learjet 45XR aircraft crashed on January 28, 2026, near Baramati Airport in Maharashtra. The plane was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati when it tried to land on the runway a second time. This incident resulted in a tragic loss of lives and has raised many questions about aircraft safety and flying procedures.
The crash happened around 9:12 in the morning, Indian Standard Time (IST). The aircraft was on its way from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which is a major airport in India, to Baramati Airport. Baramati is a smaller airport located about 254 kilometers from Mumbai. The flight was likely a routine trip, but something went wrong during the landing process.
The plane was trying to land on runway 11, a specific part of the airport used for incoming flights. During the landing attempt, the aircraft veered off course, meaning it moved away from the proper path it was supposed to follow. This caused the plane to catch fire, which made the situation even more dangerous. Emergency services responded quickly, but unfortunately, all five people on board lost their lives. Among those who died was Ajit Pawar, a well-known politician and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His death shocked many people because he was a prominent political figure.
The aircraft used in this incident was a Learjet 45XR, with the registration number VT-SSK. The jet was about 16 years old, which is considered middle-aged for this type of aircraft. On the flight were five people, including the crew members and possibly some passengers or officials. Details about the exact identities of everyone on board have not been made public, but the loss of such a prominent individual raises concerns about the safety of aircraft and the procedures used during landings.
The investigation into the crash has already started. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which is the main agency responsible for regulating civil aviation in India, is leading the inquiry. Investigators are working to find out what caused the plane to veer off course and catch fire. They will look into the pilot’s actions, weather conditions, technical issues with the aircraft, and other possible factors that could have contributed to the accident.
So far, no official cause or reason for the crash has been announced. The investigation involves collecting evidence from the crash site, examining the aircraft’s flight data recorders, and interviewing witnesses and officials. This process can take some time, as investigators want to be thorough and accurate in their findings.
This tragic event highlights the importance of aircraft safety and careful landing procedures. When planes attempt to land, pilots must follow strict protocols to ensure a safe touchdown. Sometimes, issues such as weather changes, technical problems, or human error can increase risks. The ongoing investigation aims to determine if any of these factors played a role in the crash.
The incident also reminds everyone of the risks involved in flying, especially during landing, which is one of the most critical phases of a flight. Air traffic controllers and pilots work closely together to ensure safety, but sometimes, despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Understanding the cause of this crash will help improve safety measures and prevent similar accidents in the future.
In summary, the crash of the Learjet 45XR near Baramati Airport was a tragic event that resulted in five deaths, including a high-ranking political leader. The investigation by the DGCA is still ongoing, and no official explanation has been given yet. This event underscores the importance of safety in aviation and the need for continuous improvements in flying procedures and aircraft maintenance. As authorities work towards understanding what happened, the focus remains on uncovering the cause and learning from this unfortunate incident.
