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AAIB Takes Charge After Learjet Crash Kills Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar at Baramati

Investigators are examining ATC recordings and aircraft and crew records after controllers cleared runway 11, heard no readback or distress call, and observed flames roughly a minute later.

Overview

  • Officials say the crew first executed a missed approach after reporting the runway was not in sight, then reported it visible and were cleared to land moments before the crash.
  • ATC had advised calm winds and visibility of about 3,000 metres under visual meteorological conditions at the small, largely uncontrolled Baramati airfield.
  • Preliminary checks state the Learjet 45 was airworthy and the crew were certified, with commander Sumit Kapoor logging over 15,000 flight hours and co‑pilot Shambhavi Pathak about 1,500 hours.
  • All five aboard died: Ajit Pawar, his PSO Vidip Jadhav, attendant Pinky Mali, pilot Sumit Kapoor and co‑pilot Shambhavi (Sambhavi) Pathak.
  • AAIB teams have seized operator documents and are collecting logs and CCTV, as state honours are arranged for Pawar’s funeral and leaders split between calls for a broader probe and appeals to avoid politicising the accident.