A political flight turned into a national tragedy after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed near the Baramati airport in Maharashtra, resulting in the loss of all five lives onboard. The aircraft, carrying senior leaders and security personnel, was reportedly attempting a landing when the crash occurred near the runway, triggering shockwaves across the state and the country. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumit Kapoor, with First Officer Shambhavi Pathak as flight support in the cockpit. Both pilots were among the victims of the tragic crash. Also onboard were Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s Personal Security Officer, Vidip Dilip Jadhav and cabin crew member Pinky Mali. WATCH 

A tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026, has claimed the lives of five people, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, sending shockwaves across the political leaders. Authorities have begun a detailed examination of the debris to determine the aircraft’s impact speed, angle of descent, and structural failure points. Investigators are placing significant emphasis on the black box and cockpit voice recordings, which are expected to provide critical insights into the final moments before the crash. WATCH