Pune, Maharashtra: A trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash landed at Baramati airport in Pune this afternoon, about seven months after the then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a similar accident.

The crash took place around 12:35 PM within the airport complex, just a short distance from the runway. There were no casualties in the accident, while the aircraft sustained minor damage.

Ajit Pawar Was Killed In Baramati Plane Crash

In January, Pawar was killed along with four others after their Learjet 45 plane crashed near Baramati airport. The plane carrying the 66-year-old NCP leader, his personal security officer and attendant, as well as two cockpit crew — pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur and first officer Shambhavi Pathak — had crashed during its second landing attempt on January 28.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probing the accident, is expected to submit its final report by January next year.

Another Trainer Aircraft Crash-Landed In May

Another trainer aircraft of a private company had crashed at Baramati on May 13. No serious injuries were reported, and the trainee pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, escaped safely following the accident near Gojubavi village adjacent to the Baramati airstrip area.

Security officials conduct a rescue operation after a trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-lands at Baramati
Photo Credit: PTI

A part of the aircraft had hit an electric pole just before landing.

“As per preliminary information received from witnesses, the aircraft was flying at a comparatively low altitude when it developed a technical malfunction. During the crash landing, one side of the aircraft reportedly hit an electric pole before it struck the ground,” an officer had said.

Baramati Airport Set For Upgrades

Meanwhile, the Baramati Airport is set for an upgrade. An independent air traffic control (ATC) tower is planned for effective flight guidance and management.

It will also have an expanded runway.

Special systems will be installed to ensure safe aircraft take-offs and landings during the night.

A dedicated fire station and a robust security wall will also be constructed to handle emergency situations.