The Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) aircraft that crashed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. kill Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and othersIt was airworthy and met regulatory requirements, according to an official report, with its Airworthiness Review Certificate valid until September 2026.
The aircraft was operating a Bombay–The non-scheduled flight from Baramati crashed around 8.44 am, killing its five occupants, including Ajit Pawar. There were two pilots and three passengers on board.
Operated by M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Limited. 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 plane had undergone its last airworthiness check in September 2025, officials said.
According to preliminary information, Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, where instructors and pilots of flight training organizations provide traffic warnings. The plane first contacted Baramati at 8:18 a.m. and was subsequently released by Pune Approach to 30 nautical miles return, with descent instructions in visual meteorological conditions.
The crew sought information on wind and visibility and were informed that the winds were calm and visibility was around 3,000 meters. During the first approach to runway 11, the pilots reported that the runway was not in sight and initiated a go-around maneuver.
On the second approach, the crew again reported that they were on final and later said that the runway was in sight. The plane was cleared to land at 8:43 a.m., but authorities said no response was received for landing clearance. One minute later, flames were observed near the threshold of runway 11, after which emergency services responded to the scene.
The remains were later found on the left side of the runway, above the threshold.
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The operator, M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Limited. Ltd., holds a non-scheduled operator permit issued in 2014, valid until April 2028, and operates a fleet of 17 aircraft, including seven Learjet 45 aircraft. Its last regulatory audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) was conducted in February 2025, with no Level I findings, officials said.
The investigation into Wednesday’s crash was led by the Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Officials said the AAIB Director General will head to the crash site and more 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 skidded off the runway while landing at the 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.
