PUNE: In a dramatic aviation incident on Wednesday morning, a Learjet 45 aircraft carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crash-landed near the runway threshold at Baramati airport and immediately burst into flames, officials confirmed. The aircraft, which had aborted an initial landing attempt, made a second approach before the crash occurred at approximately 8:48 am.
All Five On Board Survive Despite Fiery Crash
The aircraft, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures, had Ajit Pawar on board along with four other individuals. These included two crew members—the pilot-in-command and co-pilot—as well as a personal security officer and an attendant. Remarkably, all five occupants survived the crash, though details about their condition remain under assessment.
Clear Weather Conditions and Experienced Pilot Raise Questions
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) noted that visibility at the time of the accident was around 3,500 metres, indicating clear conditions with no fog or weather-related issues. The pilot-in-command, identified as Sumit Kapur, possessed over 16,500 hours of flying experience, making the circumstances of the crash particularly puzzling.
Investigators are now examining multiple factors that could have contributed to the accident, including potential technical malfunctions, human error, or runway conditions. The DGCA has launched a formal inquiry to determine the exact cause.
History of Similar Incidents for Operator VSR Ventures
This is not the first such incident involving aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited. On September 14, 2023, another Learjet 45 XR owned by the company, registered as VT-DBL, crash-landed at Mumbai airport. The recurrence raises concerns about the operator's safety protocols and maintenance standards.
Details About the Aircraft Involved
The crashed aircraft was a Learjet 45XR, a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009. Owned by VSR Ventures, one of India's major non-scheduled aircraft operators, this jet model is known for:
- A range of approximately 2,000–2,235 nautical miles
- Capacity to seat up to eight passengers
- High-speed cruising capability at Mach 0.78 to 0.81
- Operation at altitudes up to 51,000 feet
- Wingspan of 47 feet and maximum weight of about 9,752 kg
Powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines, the Learjet 45 is designed for short- to medium-haul flights and is recognized for its speed, efficiency, and cabin comfort.
Profile of VSR Ventures Private Limited
Founded and owned by VK Singh, VSR Ventures Private Limited manages and operates private aircraft under non-scheduled operations permits. The company, headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, offers a range of aviation services including:
- Private jet charters for corporate and personal travel
- Helicopter rentals for various purposes
- Air ambulance services for medical emergencies
- Aircraft leasing and management solutions
- Aviation consultancy services
The firm's fleet includes aircraft such as the Learjet 45XR, Beechcraft Super King Air B200, and Agusta 109 helicopters. The company's involvement in two crash incidents within a relatively short timeframe is likely to draw increased regulatory scrutiny.
The aircraft had taken off from Mumbai earlier on Wednesday morning before attempting to land at Baramati airport. The crash site has been secured, and recovery operations are underway as investigators work to piece together the sequence of events that led to this alarming incident involving a senior political figure.
