8:10 am learjet departs Mumbai
The Bombardier Learjet 45XR carrying Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at around 8:10 am on January 28, 2026, heading to Baramati in Pune district for election engagements.
Flight profile recorded on radar
According to flight tracking data, the aircraft maintained a normal en route profile before approaching Baramati. It was visible on radar until approximately 8:45 am, when its final descent began amid reports of unstable flight behavior.
First approach unsuccessful
Eyewitness accounts and preliminary analysis indicate the jet might have made an initial landing approach near 8:30 am, possibly aborted due to poor visibility or alignment issues. It then circled for a second attempt.
Second landing attempt around 8:45 am
On its second approach, the aircraft was attempting to land on Baramati Airport’s Runway 11 when it veered off just before the threshold. Radar data suggests this critical phase occurred at around 8:45 am.
Crash near runway threshold
The chartered plane crash-landed near the runway threshold, losing control and hitting the ground with significant force. Flight data and eyewitness reports emphasise the aircraft did not complete a smooth touchdown before impact.
Multiple explosions reported
Several eyewitnesses described four to five successive explosions after the initial crash, making rescue efforts extremely difficult and confirming the severity of the accident.
Learjet 45XR identified
The jet involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45XR (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation. This light business jet is widely used for charter flights, with this accident occurring during a scheduled political travel leg.
Aircraft erupts into flames
Immediately upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames and exploded. Witnesses reported seeing a massive fireball and intense smoke, with debris scattered widely across an open field near the airport.