On January 28, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. He was going from Mumbai to Baramati, Pune in a private plane. The plane was of Bombardier Learjet 45 model, whose registration number was VT-SSK. But as the investigation of this accident is progressing, the accident of 2023 is also coming to mind, because a similar plane had crashed 3 years ago.

What was the accident of 2023?

In 2023 also a plane of the same model crashed, but it was a different plane. That accident happened on 14 September 2023. The model of the plane was Bombardier Learjet 45XR, which is a small private jet. Its registration number was VT-DBL and the model of Ajit Pawar’s plane is VT-SSK. In the 2023 incident, it was a non-scheduled passenger flight, which was going from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Mumbai. There were a total of 6 people on board the plane. The plane took off from Visakhapatnam without any problem. But upon reaching Mumbai airport, an accident occurred during landing at around 5:02 pm.

The plane had gone out of the runway at the time of landing

The plane contacted the airport tower and was given clearance to land on Runway 27 at exactly 5:01 pm. But the plane went out of the runway during landing. This is called ‘runway excursion’, that is, the plane has gone out of the useful space of the runway. Photos and video showed that a wing separated, causing a fire. The fuselage (main body) of the plane broke and it stopped next to the runway. A fire broke out immediately after the accident, but fire tenders quickly brought the fire under control.

What were the reasons for the accident?

The investigation report of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said that the main reason for the plane crash was heavy rain and low visibility at Mumbai Airport. Flightradar24’s report also confirmed that the weather was very bad. There was heavy rain and low clouds, which made landing difficult. Although initial reports classified it as a runway excursion, there were no further details such as mechanical failure or pilot error.

The good thing is that all 6 people on board the plane survived. They suffered injuries and all were taken to the hospital. The AAIB investigated and issued a report, but no specific quotes or official statements were given in the article.

Wave of mourning across the country on the death of Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar was a big leader of NCP and was very influential in the politics of Maharashtra. There is a wave of mourning in the entire state due to his death. Many big leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have expressed condolences. Maharashtra government has declared 3 days state mourning.

Reactions of leaders are coming from across the political spectrum on the Baramati plane accident. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav has also expressed grief over this incident. Along with this he has made a big demand. Lalu Yadav has posted on X after this incident that happened on Wednesday (January 28, 2026).

Lalu Yadav wrote, “Received the extremely sad news of the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Shri Ajit Pawar ji in the Baramati plane crash. May God rest his soul in peace and give his family and supporters the strength to bear this irreparable loss. There should be a high-level investigation into the accident. Humble tributes.”

It has been posted from RJD’s Lalu Yadav’s son Tejashwi Yadav has also expressed grief over the incident.

Very sad news was received about the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Shri Ajit Pawar ji in the Baramati plane crash.

May God rest his soul in peace and give strength to his family and supporters to bear this irreparable loss. There should be a high level investigation into the accident. Polite…

— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) January 28, 2026

Vijay Sinha said – the news is very heartbreaking

On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said, “Extremely sad and painful news! The news of the demise of Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar ji in the plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra is extremely heartbreaking. This incident is an irreparable loss for the country and the state. As a strong leader of NCP, he made an indelible contribution in public service and public life. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and in this hour of grief, all the leaders, supporters, Give patience, strength and strength to the followers and the bereaved family.

MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, “The news of the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar ji in the plane crash in Baramati is extremely painful. His dedication towards public service, grassroots connection and administrative efficiency establish him as a sensitive and hard-working public leader. My deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and countless supporters in this difficult time. May God grant peace to the departed soul! Om Shanti.”

Also read- ‘Vijay Rupani, Ajit Pawar, Bipin Rawat…’, what did Pappu Yadav say on Baramati plane crash?