New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to senior Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar on Wednesday following the untimely passing of his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a devastating plane crash near Baramati. The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. The funeral for Ajit Pawar is set to take place in Baramati on Thursday, with both Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expected to attend the final rites.

“I am profoundly saddened by the tragic plane accident in Baramati, Maharashtra. I stand in solidarity with those mourning the loss of their loved ones. My prayers are with the bereaved families during this sorrowful time,” Modi stated in an earlier post.

The announcement of Ajit Pawar’s passing resonated deeply within Maharashtra’s political circles, prompting numerous senior leaders to label it a “black day” for the state.

In the meantime, chilling details regarding the moments leading up to the crash have surfaced. The crew of the Learjet 45 reportedly informed air traffic control that the “runway is currently not in sight” just seconds prior to being cleared for landing, after which the aircraft tragically burst into flames near the runway threshold.

Ajit Pawar, along with four others on board—including two pilots—lost their lives in the catastrophic crash while attempting to land at Baramati airfield. Pawar had planned to participate in public events in Baramati later that day.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd first established contact with Baramati airfield at 8:18 AM.

Baramati is classified as an uncontrolled airfield, where traffic updates are provided by instructors and pilots from local flying training organizations, the ministry noted.

“Approximately 30 nautical miles from Baramati, the aircraft was handed off by Pune approach control and advised to descend at the crew's discretion under visual meteorological conditions,” the statement revealed.

The pilots later inquired about wind and visibility conditions and were informed of calm winds and visibility at around 3,000 meters.

Shortly afterward, the aircraft communicated that it was on its final approach to Runway 11 but indicated that the runway was not visible. The crew initiated a go-around to attempt another approach.

During their second approach, the crew again reported being on final approach. When asked to confirm visual contact, they responded, “Runway is currently not in sight; will call when runway is visible.” A few seconds later, they indicated that the runway was visible.

At 8:43 AM, the aircraft received clearance to land on Runway 11. However, the release from the ministry noted that no readback of the landing clearance was received.

At 8:44 AM, personnel at the airfield observed flames near the threshold of the runway. Emergency services rapidly responded to the scene, locating the wreckage on the left side of Runway 11, close to the threshold.