Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Learjet Crash Near Baramati
In a tragic aviation incident, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar lost his life on Wednesday when a Learjet 45 XR aircraft crashed near the Baramati runway. The accident occurred at approximately 8.48 am as the jet was attempting to land after taking off from Mumbai, according to officials.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The aircraft, registered as VT-SSK, burst into flames upon impact, and there were no survivors. Air traffic control sources confirmed the severity of the crash, which resulted in the deaths of all five individuals on board. In addition to Ajit Pawar, the victims included two crew members and two other personnel, as stated by a DGCA official.
Rescue and recovery operations were promptly initiated at the crash site, with authorities working to secure the area and investigate the circumstances leading to this devastating event.
History of VSR Ventures Aircraft Incidents
This tragedy marks the second accident linked to a VSR Ventures-owned jet in Maharashtra within the past two-and-a-half years. The previous incident occurred on September 14, 2023, involving another Learjet 45 XR, registered as VT-DBL.
In that earlier case, the aircraft was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai. During landing, it encountered heavy rain and poor visibility, leading to a crash-landing at Mumbai airport. Officials reported that the jet drifted off Runway 27 shortly after the autopilot was disengaged, with the cockpit recording stall warnings and terrain alerts.
The fuselage split into two parts upon impact, and a fire broke out. Fortunately, all occupants were evacuated with injuries, and no fatalities were reported in that incident.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of Wednesday's crash in Baramati. Aviation authorities are examining factors such as weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, and pilot actions to understand what led to this fatal accident.
The recurrence of incidents involving VSR Ventures aircraft raises significant safety concerns about the company's operations and the broader regulatory oversight in Maharashtra's aviation sector. Stakeholders are calling for thorough reviews to prevent future tragedies.
As the state mourns the loss of a prominent political figure, this event underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols in aviation, especially for high-profile passengers and private jet operations.
