New Delhi, January 28 (IANS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to senior Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar on Wednesday. The conversation came after the death of his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash near Baramati.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar’s last rites will be held in Baramati on Thursday. PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral.
Prime Minister Modi posted on the social media platform
The news of Ajit Pawar’s death caused a wave of mourning in the political circles of Maharashtra. Many senior leaders described it as a ‘black day’ for the state.
Meanwhile, shocking incidents of the last moments just before the accident have come to light. The crew of Learjet 45 is said to have told air traffic control personnel that the runway was not yet visible. A fire broke out near the runway a few seconds before and after the aircraft was given permission to land.
5 people including Ajit Pawar and two pilots were killed in this fatal accident while trying to land at Baramati airport. Pawar was to attend a public program in Baramati on Wednesday.
According to a release issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd made first contact with Baramati Esports at 8.18 am.
The ministry said Baramati is an uncontrolled airport, where traffic is briefed by instructors and pilots from local flying training organisations.
“The aircraft was released by Pune Approach Control at approximately 30 nautical miles from Baramati and advised to descend in visual weather conditions at the discretion of the crew,” the release said.
The pilots later asked for details of the wind and visibility, and were told that the wind was calm and visibility about 3,000 metres.
Shortly afterwards the aircraft reported that it was on final approach to Runway 11, but indicated that the runway was not visible. The crew performed a go-around and re-positioned themselves for the second approach.
During the second attempt the crew again reported being on final approach. When asked to confirm visual contact he replied, “Runway not visible right now. Will call when runway is visible.” After a few seconds they reported that the runway was visible.
At 8.43 am the aircraft was given permission to land on Runway 11. However, no readback of landing clearance was received. At 8.44 am, personnel saw flames near the runway at the airport. Emergency services arrived at the scene, where debris was found near the left threshold of runway 11.
–IANS
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