In a devastating aviation tragedy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals lost their lives after their business jet crashed during a failed landing attempt at Baramati airfield on January 28. The incident has sent shockwaves through the political and aviation communities in India.
Aircraft Details and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45XR, registered as VT-SSK, which was operating a non-scheduled flight from Mumbai to Baramati. According to Flightradar, the live flight tracking service, the crash occurred at approximately 8:44 am local time as the aircraft was attempting its second approach to Baramati Airport.
The specific Learjet model was built in 2010 and operated by the VSR Group, having received its Indian registration on June 2, 2021. Prior to its Indian operation, the aircraft had been owned and operated by several US-based operators. The Learjet 45 is a mid-sized business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace, with more than 640 units reportedly built between 1995 and 2012.
Flight Data and Technical Parameters
Flight tracking data indicates the plane was moving at a ground speed of 157 knots at the time of the incident. The Barometric altitude was recorded at 2,719 feet, though data regarding the "Indicated Airspeed" remains unavailable according to preliminary reports.
Official Investigation Findings
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released preliminary findings based on their data analysis. According to their report, the pilots encountered significant visibility challenges despite meteorological reports suggesting conditions were within manageable limits for landing.
The aircraft first made contact with Baramati air traffic control at 8:18 am and was cleared by Pune Approach to descend at the pilot's discretion. However, during the initial descent, the crew reported they could not visually identify the runway.
Sequence of Events During Final Approach
During the second approach attempt, the crew again reported the runway was not in sight before subsequently stating that visibility had improved. The aircraft received clearance to land at 8:43 am, but no readback confirmation of this clearance was received from the cockpit.
Moments later, eyewitnesses and ground personnel observed flames near the threshold of Runway 11. The wreckage was subsequently discovered on the left side of the runway, positioned abeam the threshold area where the landing attempt was being made.
Ongoing Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has officially launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. Aviation experts anticipate the investigation will focus on multiple factors including pilot decision-making, aircraft systems functionality, weather conditions, and airport infrastructure.
This incident represents one of the most significant aviation tragedies involving Indian political figures in recent years and has raised important questions about business aviation safety protocols in the country.
