The tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28, 2026 has once again brought into focus a somber chapter in India’s history — the loss of prominent leaders and public figures in aviation accidents over the decades.
Pawar, 66, was killed when the private Learjet 45XR he was travelling in crashed during landing at Baramati Airport in Pune district. All six people on board — including crew and aides — lost their lives.
Over the years, India has seen several high-profile deaths in plane and helicopter crashes, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s political and social landscape.
General Bipin Rawat (2021): One of the most widely mourned air accidents in recent memory was the Mi-17V-5 helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu that killed General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, along with his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others. The tragedy in December 2021 shocked the country and led to national mourning.
Sanjay Gandhi (1980): In a historic loss for Indian politics, Sanjay Gandhi, a key figure in the Indian National Congress and son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, died in a light aircraft crash near Delhi in June 1980. His untimely death at age 33 altered the trajectory of national leadership.
Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (2009): The beloved Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh perished when his Bell 430 helicopter crashed in the dense Nallamala forest during bad weather, leading to widespread grief and political upheaval in the state.
G.M.C. Balayogi (2002): Lok Sabha Speaker and a prominent leader, Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi died in a helicopter accident in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the risks associated with VIP travel even within the country.
Madhavrao Scindia (2001): A senior Congress leader from the Gwalior royal family, Madhavrao Scindia was killed when the chartered aircraft he was aboard crashed in Uttar Pradesh, cutting short a vibrant political career.
Dorjee Khandu (2011): The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh died in a helicopter crash in the rugged terrain of West Kameng district, underlining the dangers of flying in challenging terrains.
NVN Somu: The former Minister of State for Defence of India, died on November 14, 1997, in a helicopter crash.
These tragic incidents punctuate India’s aviation history and serve as stark reminders of the unpredictability of air travel, even for the nation’s most influential figures. With the latest loss of Ajit Pawar, the country once again grapples with grief and reflection on the safety of air travel for public servants and citizens alike.