The Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) that crashed in Baramati Wednesday morning, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others, was airworthy and in compliance with regulatory requirements, according to an official report, with its Airworthiness Review Certificate valid till September 2026.
The aircraft was operating a Mumbai–Baramati non-scheduled flight when it crashed at around 8.44 am, killing all five occupants, including Ajit Pawar. Two pilots and three passengers were on board.
Operated by M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., the non-scheduled aircraft was manufactured in 2010 and had accumulated 4,915 flight hours and 5,867 cycles since new. Both engines were within prescribed limits, and the aircraft had undergone its last airworthiness review in September 2025, officials said.
According to preliminary information, Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, where traffic advisories are provided by instructors and pilots from flying training organisations. The aircraft first contacted Baramati at 8.18 am and was later released by Pune Approach at 30 nautical miles inbound, with instructions to descend under visual meteorological conditions.
The crew sought information on wind and visibility and were informed that the winds were calm and the visibility was around 3,000 metres. During the first approach to Runway 11, the pilots reported that the runway was not in sight and initiated a go-around.
On the second approach, the crew again reported being on final and subsequently said the runway was in sight. The aircraft was cleared to land at 8.43 am, but officials said no readback of the landing clearance was received. A minute later, flames were observed near the threshold of Runway 11, following which emergency services rushed to the site.
The wreckage was later found on the left side of the runway, abeam the threshold.
The operator, M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., holds a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit issued in 2014, valid till April 2028, and operates a fleet of 17 aircraft, including seven Learjet 45 jets. Its last regulatory audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was conducted in February 2025, with no Level-I findings, officials said.
The probe into Wednesday’s crash has been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Officials said the Director General of AAIB is proceeding to the crash site and further details will emerge as the investigation progresses.
In September 2023, another Learjet 45 operated by the company was involved in a landing accident at Mumbai airport, which is currently under investigation.
“On September 14, 2023, a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures veered off the runway while landing at Mumbai airport after a flight from Vizag to Mumbai. CISF personnel deployed at the airport immediately rushed to the spot and carried out rescue and safety operations. The aircraft sustained damage, but no fatalities were reported in the incident,” a source said.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More
