In a tragic aircraft accident in Baramati on Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. A total of five people were killed in the crash. The accident occurred while the aircraft was in the process of landing at Baramati Airport. According to preliminary information, the jet crashed near the runway during landing.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
About the Aircraft
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Learjet 45XR, a mid-size premium business jet. The Learjet 45XR was manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009. The aircraft has a range of approximately 2,000 to 2,235 nautical miles and can carry up to eight passengers.
The jet is capable of flying at speeds of Mach 0.78 to 0.81 and is powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines. It can reach a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet. Known for its high performance, fuel efficiency, and comfortable cabin, the Learjet 45XR is commonly used for short- and medium-haul business flights.
The crashed Learjet 45XR was operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, one of India’s prominent non-scheduled aircraft operator companies. The company is owned by V.K. Singh and is headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi. VSR Ventures provides services such as private jet charters, helicopter rentals, air ambulance services, aircraft leasing, aviation consulting, and aircraft management.The company’s fleet includes aircraft such as the Learjet 45XR,
Beechcraft Super King Air B200, and helicopters like the Agusta 109.
Ajit Pawar was traveling in this premium business jet, which was being operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited. Investigators are examining whether technical issues or weather conditions played a role during the landing at Baramati Airport. Officials expect crucial information from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which may help determine the exact cause of the crash.
Previous 2023 Incident Linked to VSR Ventures
This is not the first time a Learjet operated by VSR Ventures has been involved in an accident. In 2023, a Learjet 45XR operated by the same company crashed at Mumbai Airport, breaking into two parts. In that incident, the pilot, co-pilot, and six passengers were injured.
Initial reports had blamed heavy rainfall and poor visibility. However, a later investigation by the Ministry of Civil Aviation revealed that the autopilot disconnected approximately 40 seconds before landing. Following this, cockpit alerts such as “stall warning” and “ground proximity” were activated. According to the report, the aircraft veered to the right of the runway and crash-landed near a taxiway.
In the latest Baramati crash, investigators are also examining whether technical failures, autopilot system issues, or adverse weather conditions were responsible. The probe agencies are reviewing aircraft maintenance records, pilot training history, and weather data. Officials have stated that the true cause of the accident will only be known after the investigation is completed.
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