Maharashtra is in mourning as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) steps up its inquiry into the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The crash, which occurred near Baramati Airport, also resulted in the deaths of four others, including two pilots, a personal security officer, and a flight attendant. Initial reports point to poor visibility and inadequate navigational aids at the Baramati airstrip as potential contributing factors.
Ajit Pawar, survived by his wife and two sons, leaves behind a significant political legacy that has shaped Maharashtra’s cooperative and developmental landscape for decades. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident, with a focus on reconstructing the final moments of the flight and determining the exact cause of the crash. The investigation, conducted under AAIB Rules 2025, is examining factors such as visibility conditions, pilot decision-making, and operational limitations at the Baramati airstrip.
The AAIB expert team, deployed to the crash site, is conducting forensic procedures and gathering crucial evidence from the wreckage. They have also requested records from the airline, including aircraft documentation, crew qualifications, and maintenance history. Ajit Pawar, a stalwart of Maharashtra politics for nearly four decades, was cremated with full state honors at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, with top political leaders from across the country paying their respects.
