New CCTV footage shows the Learjet carrying Ajit Pawar banking sharply left moments before crashing near Baramati airport, killing all five on board. Investigators are now focusing on possible technical or control failures.
BY PC Bureau
January 28, 2027: Fresh CCTV footage has emerged shedding new light on the final moments of the Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on board. The video shows the aircraft sharply tilting to the left during its descent, just seconds before it lost altitude and slammed into the ground in a fiery crash.
The footage, sourced from cameras installed near the airport perimeter, captures the jet descending at a noticeably high rate before rolling left unusually close to the ground. Aviation experts say such a manoeuvre is highly irregular during a landing phase and may point to a serious technical failure or an emergency corrective attempt by the pilots to regain control.
“The aircraft appears to be in an unstable approach,” an aviation analyst said, noting that a sharp roll at low altitude leaves pilots with very little margin for recovery. “At that height, even a minor system failure or loss of lift can be catastrophic.”
Flight Timeline and Crew Details
The Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK and owned by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am for what was expected to be a routine short flight to Baramati. On board were Ajit Pawar, his Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav, Captain Sumit Kapoor, First Officer Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
According to preliminary information, the aircraft encountered no major issues during the cruise phase. Around 30 nautical miles from Baramati, the pilots were briefed about local weather conditions and informed that visibility was approximately 3 kilometres—within acceptable limits for landing under standard operating procedures.
However, as the aircraft began its initial approach, the pilots reported difficulty in visually identifying the runway. Air traffic control subsequently instructed them to perform a go-around, a standard safety manoeuvre when landing conditions are uncertain.
The jet circled back for a second approach and was given landing clearance at approximately 8.34 am.
NEW FOOTAGE CAPTURES AJIT PAWAR’S PLANE CRASHING.
Visuals show the plane wasn’t on fire but just falling to the side under great speed. pic.twitter.com/Q47QchbiVc
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) January 28, 2026
Final Moments Before Impact
Minutes later, the aircraft reportedly went silent, ceasing to transmit signals. CCTV footage timestamps the critical moment at 8.44 am, showing the Learjet banking left and rapidly losing altitude before crashing near the airport’s lone runway. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a fireball followed by thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
Emergency services rushed to the area, but there were no survivors. All five occupants were declared dead at the scene.
READ: Shocking Video Captures Ajit Pawar’s Plane Engulfed in Flames After Crash
Investigators are now examining whether the left roll captured on video was caused by mechanical failure—such as engine thrust asymmetry, control surface malfunction, or loss of lift—or whether the crew was responding to sudden wind shear or other atmospheric disturbances during the final approach.
Crew was told visibility was 3000 meters, crew said runway was not in sight. Aircraft crashes without any mayday call. Seems like mysterious circumstances involving Ajit Pawar crash. Here is the Govt statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vmiabozFTS
— Aman Sharma (@AmanKayamHai_) January 28, 2026
Focus of the Investigation
Authorities are expected to analyse flight data, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance logs, and weather reports to piece together the sequence of events. The Learjet 45 is a twin-engine business jet known for its performance, but experts note that rapid changes in thrust or control inputs at low altitude can quickly destabilise the aircraft.
“There are many possibilities at this stage,” a former commercial pilot said. “A left roll could be linked to engine issues, rudder problems, or even spatial disorientation if visibility deteriorated unexpectedly. Only a detailed investigation will provide answers.”
The crash has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political and administrative circles, with tributes pouring in for Ajit Pawar, a veteran leader who was en route to attend multiple public engagements in Baramati later in the day.
As investigators continue their work, the newly surfaced CCTV footage is expected to play a critical role in understanding what went wrong in the final seconds of the flight—and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
