Maharashra – On Wednesday morning, Maharashtra witnessed one of its most tragic aviation disasters when deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a devastating plane crash. The Ajit Pawar plane crash occurred in Baramati as the VT-SSK Learjet 45 business jet attempted to land, claiming the lives of all five people aboard. The incident has triggered comprehensive investigations while sending shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Victims of the Tragedy
The Ajit Pawar plane crash claimed five lives, including the prominent political leader and four others who were accompanying him. Personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav, pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur, first officer Shambhavi Pathak, and cabin crew member Pinky Mali perished in the tragic accident. The flight was scheduled to transport Pawar to Baramati, his political stronghold, when disaster struck during the landing phase.
The hometowns and families of all victims are grief-stricken, recovering from the immense loss. Ajit Pawar, lovingly known as ‘Dada’ among his supporters and party workers, was one of Maharashtra’s key political figures, making this tragedy particularly impactful for the state’s political ecosystem.
CID Investigation Ordered
The Maharashtra government has ordered a comprehensive probe into the Ajit Pawar plane crash, which will be carried out by the state’s Criminal Investigation Department. The CID’s investigation will be based on findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau inquiry, ensuring a thorough examination of all aspects surrounding the tragedy.
State police have filed an accidental death report in connection with the Ajit Pawar plane crash at the Baramati taluka police station. According to CID officials, cases involving deaths of influential public figures in accidents are typically handled by their department, explaining the agency’s involvement in this investigation. The probe aims to establish comprehensive facts about the circumstances leading to the crash.
New CCTV Footage Emerges
Critical new video evidence of the Ajit Pawar plane crash has surfaced, capturing the final moments of the ill-fated aircraft. The CCTV footage shows the Learjet 45 turning sideways mid-air as it plummeted toward the ground. The video depicts a massive explosion upon impact, followed by a fireball and thick clouds of smoke billowing from the crash site.
The footage reveals particularly disturbing details, showing the aircraft’s left wing dropping suddenly moments before impact. This visual evidence has become crucial for investigators attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the Ajit Pawar plane crash. The recording provides experts with valuable information about the aircraft’s final moments and potential causes of the disaster.
Three Expert Theories Emerge
Analysis of the CCTV footage from the Ajit Pawar plane crash has led aviation experts to propose three possible theories explaining the tragedy. The first theory suggests an aerodynamic stall, which occurs when an aircraft loses altitude because its speed, angle, or both create conditions where the wings stop producing lift. This phenomenon can cause catastrophic loss of control during critical flight phases.
The second theory points to potential engine failure during the landing approach. Mark D Martin of Martin Consulting, an aviation advisory firm, explained that the Learjet 45 is designed for high-speed operations and doesn’t perform well at low speeds, particularly during landing. He noted that if one engine fails, power from the remaining engine can pull the aircraft to one side, potentially causing the banking observed in the footage.
The third explanation, provided by an expert speaking anonymously, suggests late viewing of the runway combined with an attempt to reach it using a large bank angle. However, experts emphasize that the exact cause of the Ajit Pawar plane crash will only be confirmed after thorough investigation of all available evidence.
Black Box Recovery and Analysis
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed on Thursday that authorities have successfully recovered the black box from the Ajit Pawar plane crash site. This flight recorder, one of the aircraft’s most crucial components, is designed to capture and store important flight data. All technical records, operational details, and facts from the accident site are currently under detailed examination.
The black box analysis will prove vital in determining the precise sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Investigators are examining all data recorded by the device to establish a comprehensive timeline of the flight’s final moments.
Last Moments in the Cockpit
According to senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation officials familiar with the early investigation into the Ajit Pawar plane crash, the last words heard from the crew before impact were “oh s***.” This chilling detail suggests the crew suddenly recognized an imminent and unavoidable catastrophe.
Investigators noted that there were no flames prior to touchdown, indicating the explosion and fire occurred upon impact rather than during flight. This information helps narrow potential causes and supports ongoing investigation efforts.
Political Implications
The Ajit Pawar plane crash has triggered a political whirlwind in Maharashtra, with the Nationalist Congress Party scrambling to identify a new leader. The party faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures, creating uncertainty about the state’s political future and party leadership structure.
