AAIB Preliminary Report Cites Low Visibility and Safety Gaps in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report on the January 28, 2026, Baramati plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others found that the Learjet 45XR attempted to land in visibility of 3,000 metres, below the 5,000-metre minimum required under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield lacking meteorological facilities and navigational aids, with faded runway markings and loose gravel. The control tower was manned by a ground instructor who estimated visibility using visual markers. Despite sub-minimum visibility, the aircraft was cleared to land, leading to a crash after the second approach. The AAIB recommended stricter adherence to VFR procedures and improved airport infrastructure at uncontrolled airfields.