The tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, on January 28, 2026, has raised serious questions about air safety, particularly during the most critical phases of a flight takeoff and landing. While investigations are still underway, it’s important to understand why these two phases of flight pose the highest risks to aircraft, even for the most advanced planes.
Why Are Takeoff and Landing So Dangerous?
Takeoff and landing are considered the most perilous phases of any flight, accounting for the majority of aviation accidents worldwide. Statistically, the greatest number of incidents occur during these times, largely due to the high number of variables that come into play. Here’s why:
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High Speed and Short Time Frames- During takeoff, planes accelerate rapidly to reach the necessary speed for lift-off. Similarly, during landing, they decelerate quickly to touch down. This means that any malfunction, whether mechanical or environmental, can lead to catastrophic results within a very short time. The proximity of the aircraft to the ground during these phases leaves little room for error or recovery.
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Complex Aerodynamic Challenges- At the beginning and end of a flight, aircraft are maneuvering through more complex aerodynamics. During takeoff, the aircraft is overcoming the force of gravity to climb into the sky, requiring all systems to function optimally. During landing, pilots must deal with potential weather challenges like wind gusts, turbulence, or low visibility, which can all significantly affect the aircraft’s trajectory.
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Environmental Factors- External factors like weather conditions, especially fog, rain, or strong winds, increase the risks during takeoff and landing. These conditions make it harder for pilots to maintain visual contact with the runway, which is critical for a successful landing. Low visibility due to fog, like in the case of Ajit Pawar’s crash, can drastically reduce the pilots’ ability to make the right judgments in critical moments.
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Mechanical Failures- Aircraft are equipped with complex systems that need to work flawlessly during takeoff and landing. Any malfunction in critical systems like the engine, hydraulics, or navigation can lead to disaster. While aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance checks, the sheer complexity of their systems means that failure can still occur, often unexpectedly during these high-stress times.
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Pilot Error and Decision-Making Under Pressure Pilots are trained to make quick, decisive actions when unexpected problems arise, but even highly experienced pilots can make errors during takeoff or landing, given the pressure to ensure a successful takeoff or smooth landing. The speed and unpredictability of situations can lead to errors in judgment, especially in poor weather conditions.
Ajit Pawar’s Tragic Incident and the Focus on Air Safety
Ajit Pawar’s untimely death during the plane’s attempt to land near Baramati is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable aircraft can be during these critical phases of flight. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, it brings to light the reality that no matter how advanced aviation technology becomes, the risks during takeoff and landing remain significant.
Experts emphasize the need for constant improvement in both pilot training and aircraft technology, particularly in situations involving poor visibility or technical malfunctions. Even with advanced navigational systems, the role of human judgment during these critical moments cannot be overstated.
The Takeaway
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, accidents like the one involving Ajit Pawar serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with takeoff and landing. Understanding these risks, the challenges pilots face, and the steps taken by the aviation industry to mitigate them are essential in improving overall flight safety.
Ajit Pawar’s tragic death is not just a personal loss but a reminder for the entire aviation industry to continually refine safety protocols and systems to prevent similar accidents in the future. As investigations continue, the focus on air safety during takeoff and landing will undoubtedly remain a central point of discussion.
