Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was aboard a Learjet 45XR business jet registration VT-SSK at the time of the tragic accident on January 28, 2026. The aircraft was operated by VSR Aviation (VSR Ventures) and was chartered for official travel from Mumbai to Baramati in Maharashtra.
Flight Path and Purpose
The private flight had departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai early in the morning, destined for Baramati Airport in Pune district. Ajit Pawar was en route to address a series of public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections in his home region.
Crash Circumstances
The Learjet 45XR crash-landed while attempting a second approach to land at Baramati Airport. According to officials, the aircraft veered off the runway threshold and burst into flames on impact. All onboard including Pawar, his security personnel, an attendant, and two crew members were killed and there were no survivors.
Aircraft and Safety Background
The Learjet 45XR is a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace, widely used for corporate and executive travel. The specific jet involved in the crash, VT-SSK, had been in service for several years. Investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are examining potential causes, including technical issues or external conditions, but formal conclusions on the accident’s cause are not yet released.
Casualties and Onboard Personnel
According to aviation authorities, the flight carried six occupants in total:
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Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra
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Two crew members (pilot-in-command and first officer)
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One personal security officer (PSO)
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One attendant
( DGCA confirms all on board died in the crash.)