Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Killed in Hyderabad Plane Crash; Investigation Underway
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A swift and thorough investigation has been launched following the tragic plane crash in Baramati, Pune district, that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed the government’s commitment to air safety and a time-bound probe into the incident.
Crash Details and Initial Response
The chartered aircraft went down approximately 200 meters from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport. According to reports,the crash occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land. The Aircraft accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Crucially, the black Box – the flight data recorder – has been recovered and is currently undergoing analysis.
“The Black Box has been recovered, and the investigation is in process. This time, we will follow a strict timeline approach to ensure the report is completed expeditiously,” the Minister stated during a press briefing on thursday, january 29, 2026, held on the sidelines of wings India 2026.
Focus on Air Safety and investigation Timeline
The Minister emphasized the government’s “zero tolerance” policy regarding air safety issues. The investigation will prioritize a rapid assessment of the factors contributing to the crash. While a definitive timeline for the investigation’s completion has not been released, officials have indicated a commitment to expediting the process.
Airport Operations and Safety Protocols
Responding to questions regarding the absence of immediate firefighting personnel at the scene, the Minister clarified the nature of operations at Baramati airport. The airstrip primarily serves Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) and operates under a Non-Scheduled Operator’s Permit (NSOP), rather than being certified for full commercial aviation.
“When we license an NSOP strip to operate as a commercial airport, certain requirements must be met, which we ensure. but this facility has been used by NSOPs, particularly for flying training organisations,” he explained. All facilities required for FTO operations were confirmed to be in place.
India’s aviation Safety Record
Despite this tragic incident,the Minister underscored that India is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world in terms of aviation safety protocols. He also confirmed that the Maharashtra government had formally requested the Center’s assistance with the investigation, and the civil Aviation Ministry is fully cooperating.
Why did the crash happen? The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the Black Box data being analyzed by the AAIB and DGCA. Initial reports indicate the crash occurred during landing, but a definitive cause has not yet been determined.
Who was involved? Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others perished in the crash. The investigation involves the AAIB,DGCA,the Maharashtra government,and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
What type of aircraft was involved? The report does not specify the type of aircraft, only that it was a chartered plane. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
how did it end? The aircraft crashed approximately 200 meters from the edge of the runway at Baramati airport while attempting to land, resulting in the fatalities of all five people on board.The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events and contributing factors.
Published – January 30, 2026 08:02 am IST
