'Developed technical snag': Training aircraft crashes after take-off near Baramati airport, no casualties reported

A training aircraft crashed in a field near Baramati airport in Maharashtra on Wednesday morning, months after a fatal plane crash in the same region involving then deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

According to the Baramati Police, the incident took place shortly after the aircraft took off from the airport. Officials said the aircraft belonged to Redbird Aviation training academy.

"The aircraft is from Redbird Aviation training academy," a police officer was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

"Today, at around 8.50 am, a training aircraft belonging to Red Bird Aviation made a crash landing near Gojubavi village adjacent to the Baramati airport. According to preliminary information provided by eyewitnesses present at the scene, the aircraft developed a technical snag while flying at a low altitude.

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During the crash landing, a part of the aircraft hit a light pole before the aircraft crashed onto the ground. Only one trainee pilot was on board the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilot did not sustain any serious injuries. Upon receiving information about the incident, police personnel immediately rushed to the spot, and a necessary inquiry and further action are underway. Further details will be shared once received," Pune Rural Police SP Sandeep Singh Gill was quoted as saying by ANI.

Crash took place shortly after take-off

Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft went down around 8.30 am in a field located a few kilometres from Baramati city. The exact reason behind the crash is still being investigated.

Per The Indian Express, Shivaji Taware, Director of Baramati Airport, said, "A trainee aircraft of Redbird Aviation academy crashed in a field near Baramati airport around 8.30 am. The cause of the crash is yet to be known. No casualties have been reported."

Officials said no injuries or deaths were reported in the incident. Emergency response teams and local police reached the spot soon after the crash.

Earlier fatal crash still under investigation

The latest incident comes just months after a deadly aircraft accident near Baramati on January 28. A Learjet 45 aircraft with registration VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, had crashed while flying from Mumbai to Baramati.

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The crash had claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others. The accident is currently being investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

On February 28, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau submitted its preliminary report related to the incident.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra CID is carrying out a separate inquiry through an Accidental Death Report registered with Pune Rural police, which is standard procedure in accidents involving fatalities.

Authorities are yet to announce further details regarding the cause of Wednesday's training aircraft crash.