January 2026 Sees 3 Fatal Plane Crashes, All Involve Small Jets

Before January 2026 has ended, the aviation world has been shaken by three fatal crashes in different parts of the globe. Each incident involved business or government-related flights and resulted in the loss of all passengers on board.

Learjet 45XR crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, India

On January 28, 2026, a Learjet 45XR business jet attempting to land at Baramati airfield in Maharashtra, India, crashed near the runway, killing all five people on board. Among the victims was Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was traveling to participate in local election campaign events.

The aircraft was operating as a charter flight. Eyewitnesses reported that the jet initially attempted to land but aborted the approach. On its second landing attempt, the plane struck near the runway threshold and burst into flames.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have launched a formal investigation. Early observations suggest that the lack of a full instrument landing system at Baramati and possible landing instability during the final approach may have played a role in the crash.

Bombardier Challenger 650 crash in Bangor, Maine, US

On the night of January 25, 2026, a Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet crashed shortly after taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine, killing all six people on board.

Severe winter weather was a significant factor, and although the aircraft had been de-iced, investigators from the NTSB and FAA are examining potential wing icing and low visibility as contributing elements. No official cause has yet been determined.

Air Transport ATR 42 crash in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Earlier in the month, on January 17, 2026, an ATR 42-512 turboprop operated by Indonesia Air Transport crashed over South Sulawesi. The flight had departed from Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta and was headed to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar. All ten aboard were killed.

Search and rescue teams discovered the wreckage on Bulusaraung Mountain, a remote and rugged area, and recovered both of the aircraft's flight recorders for detailed analysis. Investigators are examining terrain, weather conditions, and aircraft performance as potential factors in the crash.

To learn about common causes of plane crashes and how investigations unfold, read our material that explains aviation accidents and whether it is safe to fly.

Photo by Yaroslav Muzychenko on Unsplash