New footage of the Baramati plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others has led experts to propose three possible causes: an aerodynamic stall, engine failure, or a sharp manoeuvre. Definitive answers will come from black box analysis. Politically, calls are growing within the NCP for his wife Sunetra Pawar to take party leadership.
The Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) en route from Mumbai to Baramati crashed on Wednesday morning during its second landing attempt near Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav, pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur, first officer Shambhavi Pathak, and cabin crew member Pinky Mali.
CCTV footage shows the aircraft's left wing dropping suddenly, causing it to snap to one side and crash in a ball of flames. Experts have outlined three theories. The first, an aerodynamic stall, occurs when low speed leads one wing to lose lift, resulting in a rapid roll. Federation of Indian Pilots president CS Randhawa said, "Due to low speed, it appears the aircraft crossed the critical angle of attack, thus drag increased and lift reduced, causing a wingtip stall."
The US NTSB has noted similar incidents in business jets since 2014, including a Learjet 35A in 2017. A second theory is engine failure, creating asymmetrical thrust and yaw. Mark D Martin of Martin Consulting noted, "The Learjet 45 is very fast and not designed to fly well at low speeds; it appears an engine failed while landing, pulling the aircraft to one side." However, no mayday call was recorded, making this less likely. The third involves a sharp manoeuvre in final moments, possibly due to poor visibility and sun glare at the airport lacking navigation aids. Safety expert Amit Singh said, "A visual approach requires the runway in clear sight; here, sun glare may have affected alignment."
In the NCP, calls are mounting for Sunetra Pawar to assume party leadership, with some advocating her as deputy chief minister. Senior leader Narhari Zirwal stated, "Many people told us that 'vahini' should be brought into the mainstream." Others suggest Sunil Tatkare for the role due to his experience. Merger talks between NCP factions were advanced, set for a February 8 announcement after zilla parishad elections, as confirmed by NCP(SP) leader Jayant Patil: "We met frequently; progress will continue in that direction."
Funerals for the pilots took place in Delhi. Capt Kapur, 61 with over 20,000 flying hours, was remembered as fun-loving by friends. First Officer Pathak, 25 with 1,500 hours, was described as lively; she was months from her ATPL. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau holds the black box for analysis.
