The aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others crashed during its second landing attempt at Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday morning, according to flight tracking data and initial information shared by the aircraft operator.

Data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24 shows that the Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) took off from Mumbai airport at around 8:10 am. After departure, the jet flew over the Arabian Sea before turning inland toward Baramati.

First landing attempt aborted

The aircraft made its first approach to land at Baramati around 8:30 ambut the attempt was unsuccessful. According to the operator, VSR Venturesthe aborted landing was likely due to poor visibility conditions at the airport, which may have prevented the pilots from establishing a stable approach.

After aborting the first landing attempt, the aircraft climbed again and prepared for a second approach.

Second approach and crash

The Learjet made it second attempt to land at approximately 8:42 am. However, flight tracking data shows that the aircraft disappeared from radar around 8:45 ammoments before news of the crash began to emerge.

The jet crashed near the threshold of runway 11 at Baramati airportbursting into flames on impact. Visuals from the site showed the aircraft engulfed in fire, indicating a high-energy impact. Officials confirmed that all five people on board were killed in the crash.

What may have gone wrong

The aircraft involved was around 16 years old. While the exact cause of the crash will be determined only after a detailed investigation, initial indications suggest that the pilots may have struggled to stabilise the aircraft during the second landing attempt. Factors such as visibility, approach conditions, and aircraft handling during the final seconds are expected to be key focus areas of the probe.

A formal investigation by aviation authorities is expected to examine flight data, cockpit procedures, weather conditions, and technical aspects of the aircraft to establish the precise sequence of events that led to the tragedy.