Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Engine Failure, Technical Fault, or Bad Weather? Why Most Crashes Happen During Takeoff and Landing

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s plane tragically crashed near Baramati on Wednesday morning, killing all passengers on board. While the exact cause is yet to be determined, preliminary reports suggest technical failure or adverse weather conditions may have played a role.

Possible Causes of the Crash
Ajit Pawar was en route to an election rally in Baramati, Pune, when his aircraft went down during landing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed the deaths of all on board. Early investigations indicate a potential technical fault. According to the European Transport Safety Council, globally, 90% of plane crashes are caused by technical failures. Bad weather also remains a significant contributing factor.

Takeoff and Landing: High-Risk Phases
Aviation safety experts note that most plane crashes occur during takeoff and landing. In 2023, there were 109 aviation accidents worldwide, with 37 occurring during takeoff and 30 during landing. Engine failures often happen during these critical phases due to technical issues, making them particularly dangerous.

Pilot Error: A Major Factor
Reports highlight that pilot error is one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. Flying an aircraft safely requires extensive training, technical knowledge, and excellent hand-eye coordination. Pilots must anticipate weather changes, plan the flight route carefully, and maintain situational awareness to prevent accidents.

Global and Indian Statistics
From 2017 to 2023, there were 813 plane crashes worldwide, resulting in 1,473 fatalities. Most accidents—261—occurred during landing, followed by 212 during flight. In India, 14 crashes were reported during this period.

Weather and Visibility Challenges
Adverse weather can confuse pilots or make precise estimation difficult, increasing the risk of crashes. Pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) rely on external visual cues, while Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) require advanced knowledge and skills to navigate safely through clouds or poor visibility.

Role of Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Air Traffic Controllers play a critical role in managing takeoffs and landings by guiding aircraft safely in crowded airspace. Any miscommunication or lapse by ATC can lead to accidents, underscoring the importance of accurate and timely guidance.

Bird Strikes: A Hidden Danger
Bird strikes are another significant risk. Globally, an average of 150 bird strikes occur daily, with the U.S. reporting 14,000 incidents annually. Between 2016 and 2021, 273,000 cases were documented worldwide, though many go unreported. Bird collisions can cause severe damage, especially during takeoff or landing.

While the final cause of the Ajit Pawar plane crash will be revealed after detailed investigation, aviation experts highlight that technical failure, human error, weather conditions, ATC lapses, and bird strikes remain the most common triggers for such tragic accidents.