Pune: A trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-landed at Baramati Airport in Pune on Sunday afternoon, around seven months after former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash near the same airport.

The incident took place at around 12:35 pm within the airport premises, a short distance from the runway. The two pilots on board were unharmed, while the aircraft suffered minor damage.

Senior police officer Sandeep Singh Gill said the aircraft, identified as VT-SEX, was involved in a runway excursion during a training exercise. Captain Chirag Shashikant Doifode and cadet Abhijeet Jundre were on board.

“No injuries have been reported,” Gill said.

Aircraft Failed to Stop During Training Exercise

According to the police, the aircraft initially entered the runway through Link Bravo and lined up at the threshold of Runway 29, where it carried out a rejected take-off.

It was then positioned at the threshold of Runway 11 for another rejected take-off. During the exercise, however, the aircraft could not come to a complete stop on the runway.

It continued beyond the Runway 29 threshold before veering off the extended paved surface to the right.

The incident comes months after the fatal crash involving Ajit Pawar.

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Had Raised Safety Concerns

On January 28, Ajit Pawar was killed along with four others when a Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati Airport during its second landing attempt.

The aircraft, owned by VSR Ventures, was carrying the NCP leader, his personal security officer, an attendant and two cockpit crew members — pilot-in-command Sumit Kapur and first officer Shambhavi Pathak.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report, said visibility at the time of the crash was below the required level.

The report also highlighted fading runway markings and loose gravel on the runway surface at Baramati. It recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensure that safety standards are maintained at uncontrolled airfields.

The AAIB is expected to submit its final investigation report by January next year.

Another Trainer Aircraft Crash-Landed in May

This is the second trainer aircraft accident reported at Baramati in recent months.

On May 13, another trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-landed near Gojubavi village, close to the Baramati airstrip. The trainee pilot, who was the only person on board, escaped safely and no serious injuries were reported.

According to preliminary information at the time, the aircraft was flying at a relatively low altitude when it developed a technical problem. During the crash landing, part of the aircraft reportedly struck an electric pole before hitting the ground.

Baramati Airport Set for Major Upgrade

Meanwhile, Baramati Airport is scheduled for several infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving flight operations and safety.

An independent air traffic control (ATC) tower is planned to improve flight guidance and management. The runway will also be expanded.

The airport is expected to receive specialised systems to facilitate safer aircraft take-offs and landings at night.

A dedicated fire station and a stronger security perimeter wall are also planned to improve emergency response and overall airport security.