Shocking Visuals: Chilling Video Shows Ajit Pawar’s Plane Bursting into Flames

The chilling CCTV footage of the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026, has surfaced, providing a harrowing visual record of the tragedy.

The footage, captured by a security camera near Baramati Airport, documents the final 10 seconds of the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK).

CCTV Sequence: The Final 10 Seconds

• The Descent: At approximately 8:46 AM, the aircraft is seen descending at a steep, unusual angle during its second landing attempt.
• The Impact: The jet hits the ground nose-first just short of the runway threshold.
• The Explosion: Within two seconds of the high-velocity impact, the aircraft erupts into a massive orange fireball.
• Aftermath: A dense plume of black smoke immediately engulfs the wreckage, which broke into several pieces upon impact.

The Victims: All 5 On Board

The DGCA and local authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors. The bodies were reportedly so badly charred that identification was initially difficult.

1. Ajit Pawar: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
2. Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO).
3. Pinky Mali: Personal Attendant.
4. Captain Sumit Kapoor: Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
5. Captain Shambhavi Pathak: First Officer (FO).

Investigation: Why Did It Crash?

The CCTV footage has become a primary piece of evidence for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

• Poor Visibility: Preliminary reports indicate visibility at the airport had dropped to 800 meters due to dense morning fog. Baramati Airport lacks advanced landing aids (ILS) for such conditions.
• Second Attempt: The plane had aborted its first landing attempt at 8:30 AM and was on its second approach when it “disappeared from radar” at 8:45 AM.
• Mechanical Sound: Eyewitnesses near the site reported hearing a “strange, loud grinding noise” coming from the engines just before the nosedive.

State in Mourning

• Three-Day Mourning: CM Devendra Fadnavis has declared a state of mourning until January 30.
• State Funeral: The last rites for Ajit Pawar will be performed tomorrow in Baramati with full state honors.
• Public Outpouring: Tens of thousands of supporters have gathered at the Baramati hospital, while political leaders from PM Modi to Mamata Banerjee have expressed their shock.