AAIB Preliminary Report Flags Low Visibility and Safety Issues 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 45 attempted to land in visibility of 3,000 metres, below the 5,000-metre minimum required under Visual Flight Rules for uncontrolled airfields. The visibility estimate was made by a ground instructor using visual references, as Baramati lacks meteorological facilities. The aircraft was cleared to land despite sub-minimum visibility, and safety lapses including faded runway markings and inadequate infrastructure were noted. The AAIB recommended stricter adherence to procedures for VFR flights to uncontrolled airfields and further investigation into the crash's root causes.