A trainer aircraft operated by a private company crash-landed at Baramati airport in Pune on Sunday afternoon, marking the second such incident at the airfield since the fatal aircraft accident involving former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar earlier this year.
The latest crash took place around 12.35 pm within the airport complex, a short distance from the runway. There were no casualties, while the aircraft suffered minor damage.
Second trainer aircraft crash this year
The latest incident comes after another trainer aircraft crashed at Baramati on May 13. The aircraft was carrying only a trainee pilot, who escaped safely, and no serious injuries were reported.
The May crash occurred near Gojubavi village, close to the Baramati airstrip. A part of the aircraft hit an electric pole shortly before landing.
"As per preliminary information received from witnesses, the aircraft was flying at a comparatively low altitude when it developed a technical malfunction. During the crash landing, one side of the aircraft reportedly hit an electric pole before it struck the ground," an officer had said.
Ajit Pawar's fatal Baramati crash
In January, Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when their Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport on January 28.
The VSR Ventures-owned aircraft was carrying the 66-year-old 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 crashed during its second landing attempt.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in its preliminary report, said visibility at the time was below the required level. The report also pointed to fading runway markings and loose gravel on the runway surface.
The AAIB recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ensure safety standards are maintained at uncontrolled airfields. Its final report is expected by January next year.
Baramati airport set for upgrade
The airport is also due for several infrastructure upgrades. Plans include an independent air traffic control (ATC) tower and an expanded runway.
Special systems are also proposed to support safer night-time take-offs and landings. A dedicated fire station and a security wall are among the other planned additions.