Mumbai: The chartered business jet that crashed during landing at Baramati on January 28, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, is expected to trigger an insurance payout of up to Rs 55 crore, as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to veer off and erupt in flames.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance, which insured the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK), confirmed the aircraft was covered under an aviation policy and said its exposure is backed by reinsurance arrangements. The Indian Express reported the aircraft’s hull was insured for around Rs 50 crore, and that the total payout, combining hull damage and passenger liability, could reach roughly Rs 55 crore, with much of the risk placed with reinsurers including GIC Re and Munich Re.

How the payout could add up

Aviation insurance experts said that the total expected payout includes the aircraft’s hull loss plus passenger liability, and that ICICI Lombard may recover a substantial portion from reinsurers. The Hindu Business Line separately reported the aircraft carried liability insurance coverage of Rs 210 crore, a figure that speaks to the scale of potential third-party or passenger-related claims depending on policy terms and findings.

Under Indian law, the standard compensation for an air passenger’s death in an accident is about Rs 1 crore, though final amounts can vary depending on coverage and circumstances.

Probe focuses on approach, visibility and airfield limitations

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the investigation and confirmed the black box has been recovered, calling the inquiry “thorough, transparent, and time-bound.” According to an official ministry note, the crash occurred around 8:44 a.m. during the landing phase at Baramati, an uncontrolled airfield, after the crew executed a go-around on the first attempt and later failed to provide a required readback after being cleared to land.

Multiple reports said visibility was poor or marginal around the time of the approach, and aviation experts noted the airfield lacks an Instrument Landing System, leaving crews more dependent on visual cues during challenging conditions.

Funeral in Baramati

Ajit Pawar’s last rites were held with full state honours in Baramati on January 29, with large crowds gathering at Vidya Pratishthan Ground to pay their respects.