In the aftermath of the tragic plane crash at Baramati Airport that claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the Indian Air Force (IAF) moved swiftly to reinforce aviation safety at the airfield, underlining its readiness to assist civil authorities in moments of national need.
In the early hours of Wednesday (January 28, 2026), VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 XR business jet was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, but crashed at a runway near Baramati Airport. The plane crash killed all the 5 occupants, including Pawar, two pilots and two members of his party.
Following an urgent request from the Maharashtra government, the IAF on Wednesday (Janaury 28, 2026) deployed an emergency Air Traffic Control (ATC) team, along with critical technical equipment, to Baramati Airport.
What support is IAF providing at Baramati Airport?
Maharashtra’s Baramati Airport operates as an uncontrolled airfield, and does not have a permanent ATC tower. Under normal circumstances, flight information is provided by instructors from nearby flying schools rather than a dedicated, full-time control unit.
In the wake of Wednesday’s deadly crash, this limitation drew significant attention, particularly as the airstrip relies heavily on visual flight rules (VFR) and pilot-to-ground coordination. These systems can be strained when visibility deteriorates or traffic management becomes critical.
To help in the same, the IAF has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. “They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF’s commitment to national service in times of need,” the IAF said.
Maharashtra plane crash: What happened in the Baramati crash?
The accident involved a Learjet 45 XR business jet, operated by VSR Ventures, which was flying from Mumbai to Baramati. The aircraft attempted to land at around 8:44 am, but burst into flames near the runway during its final approach. All five occupants – Ajit Pawar, two pilots and two accompanying staff – lost their lives.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said preliminary information indicated poor visibility at the time. The aircraft had reportedly carried out a go-around during its first landing attempt after the crew informed authorities they could not see the runway. On the subsequent approach, the jet was cleared to land but crashed shortly thereafter.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: What are investigators probing?
Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reached the site and launched a detailed probe. They will be analysing wreckage, flight data, and cockpit recordings (black box).
Early reporting has highlighted Baramati’s lack of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and its status as an uncontrolled airfield as factors that can complicate landings, especially under adverse weather or visibility conditions. Investigators are expected to closely examine these operational aspects alongside aircraft performance and crew actions.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar’s death as “shocking and saddening,” describing him as a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. “He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra.”