BARAMATI, January 28, 2026 — In a devastating aviation accident that has sent shockwaves across the country, a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) operated by M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. crashed at Baramati Airport today, claiming the lives of all five individuals on board, including the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar. The flight, which originated from Mumbai, was nearing its destination when it encountered fatal complications during the landing phase.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft first made contact with Baramati at 0818 IST and was later cleared for a visual approach under calm wind conditions and 3,000-meter visibility. However, after an initial failed attempt to sight the runway led to a go-around, the crew eventually reported the runway in sight and was cleared to land at 0843 IST.
Tragically, no readback was received, and moments later, at 0844 IST, air traffic control observed flames at the threshold of Runway 11.The wreckage of the 2010-manufactured business jet was located on the left side of the runway, where emergency services confirmed that the Deputy CM, two crew members—including a highly experienced Pilot-in-Command with over 15,000 flying hours—and two other passengers sustained fatal injuries.
This incident marks the second major accident for VSR Ventures in recent years, following a 2023 crash-landing of another Learjet 45 in Mumbai. While the company’s fleet had recently passed a DGCA regulatory audit in February 2025 with no major findings, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has now taken over the probe to determine the exact cause of the crash.
As the nation mourns the loss of the veteran leader, investigators are focusing on the final moments of the flight and the lack of communication following the final landing clearance.
