A small aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of India's Maharashtra state, crashed during landing attempts at Baramati airport on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, killing all five people aboard. The incident occurred 249 kilometers southeast of Mumbai, Maharashtra's capital.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed in its preliminary report that the crash claimed the lives of Pawar, two pilots, a personal security officer, and an attendant. "The aircraft experienced critical failure during final approach," stated a DGCA spokesperson, adding that investigators are examining weather data and flight recorder information.
Political Shockwaves
Pawar, 65, was a key figure in Maharashtra's ruling coalition and nephew of Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar. His death creates immediate challenges for state governance ahead of assembly elections scheduled for late 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted condolences, calling the incident "a tragic loss for Maharashtra's development trajectory." The state government has declared three days of official mourning.
Aviation Safety Concerns
This marks India's third fatal civilian aircraft accident in 2026, renewing debates about regional air safety standards. The crashed Beechcraft King Air C90 turboprop had undergone mandatory maintenance checks in December 2025, according to DGCA records.
Baramati Airport, serving Pawar's political stronghold, had recently completed runway extension work. Aviation experts caution against drawing premature conclusions while the investigation continues.
