Overview
- India’s aviation regulator confirmed all five aboard died, identifying the victims as Ajit Pawar, two members of his team and two crew.
- The Learjet 45 departed Mumbai bound for Baramati for campaign events and crashed in a field near the runway during an attempted landing, igniting on impact.
- The Civil Aviation Ministry said the crew consulted a local instructor on winds and visibility and initially reported the runway was not in sight despite light winds and roughly 3,000 meters of visibility.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has opened a formal inquiry, with no cause determined and analysts set to review weather, communications and operational factors at the aerodrome.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders offered condolences, underscoring Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra politics.