How D Fadnavis Pacified Ajit Pawar During Turbulent Flight 18 Months Ago

The clouds did not unnerve Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar when his helicopter rose above Nagpur in July 2024, but the one-hour ride was not smooth.

Ajit Pawar, travelling with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and then state industries minister Uday Samant, looked out of the window, concerned. On its way to Gadchiroli for the launch of a steel project, the chopper encountered dense monsoon clouds and went off route in poor visibility. For those on board, excitement turned into anxiety.

Devendra Fadnavis, however, was calm, having survived six aviation accidents, and reassured Pawar. The pilot skillfully manoeuvred through the clouds, course-corrected and executed a safe landing in Gadchiroli.

Pawar later shared his experience at the event, "Uday Samant told me to watch out for the landing site. I was relieved when I spotted it from the window."

Eighteen months on, Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati, reportedly after the Learjet 45XR aircraft lost control while landing. Plumes of fire and smoke rose from the wreckage as emergency and police officials reached the site.

Fadnavis on Wednesday described Pawar's death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend. He said Pawar's death has left a void that will never be filled, adding that, "After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more."

Others on the aircraft were Ajit Pawar's personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two crew members -- a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and a Second-in-Command (SIC).

The Maharashtra Police said the wreckage and condition of the crash site will be thoroughly examined and photographed to determine the speed and angle of the aircraft's impact.

The police also said the black box will be examined in the investigations into what led to the crash. "The cockpit voice recording will provide information about the pilots' conversations and decisions in the final moments," officials said, adding that all records related to the maintenance of the aircraft will also be reviewed.

The pilot's communication records with Air Traffic Control (ATC) will be reviewed to determine the cause of the accident.

In addition, external factors such as weather, runway conditions, and wind direction will also be included in the investigation, according to the officials.