In a devastating turn of events, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with four others, perished in a Learjet 45 crash near Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that there were no survivors from the incident involving the chartered flight operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the crash.
The Learjet 45, bearing registration VT-SSK, departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at approximately 8:10 am, disappearing from radar screens around 8:45 am, just minutes before the crash at approximately 8:50 am. According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft appeared to have made a loop while lining up for its approach to the Baramati runway. The crash occurred near the runway threshold as the aircraft was attempting to land. Eyewitness accounts described a fiery scene, with the aircraft exploding upon impact.
Alongside Ajit Pawar, the victims included Pawar's personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. Initial reports suggest that poor visibility may have been a contributing factor in the accident. Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, stated that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) had inquired about runway visibility prior to the landing attempt, with the pilot initially confirming visibility before a subsequent go-around. The pilot again confirmed visibility before the crash.
Adding a layer of complexity to the tragedy, questions are now being raised regarding the AAIB's ongoing investigation into a previous incident involving VSR Ventures. In September 2023, a Learjet 45 aircraft with registration VT-DBL, also operated by VSR Ventures, was involved in an accident during landing at Mumbai Airport. That accident is still under investigation by the AAIB. The fact that the investigation remains incomplete raises concerns about potential systemic issues within the airline's operations and oversight.
VSR Ventures, a Delhi-based private aviation company, has been in operation for over 15 years, offering charter services, medivac operations, and private jet leasing across major Indian cities. Vijay Kumar Singh and Rohit Singh are identified as principal figures leading the company. Company officials have stated that the crashed aircraft was "100% safe" and that the crew was experienced, while acknowledging that weather or other factors might have played a role.
The news of Ajit Pawar's death has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, with a three-day state mourning period declared. Political leaders across the spectrum have expressed their condolences. Pawar, 66, was a significant figure in Maharashtra politics, having served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and wielding considerable influence in the state. His political journey spanned decades, and he was known for his administrative acumen and ability to navigate complex coalition politics.
The AAIB's investigation into the crash is underway, with a team dispatched to the accident site in Baramati. Investigators have also visited VSR Aviation's Delhi office to gather information and interrogate staff. The probe will aim to determine the precise cause of the crash, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, pilot experience, and potential mechanical failure. The spotlight is also on the AAIB itself, with scrutiny regarding the timeline and thoroughness of its investigation into the 2023 VSR Ventures incident.
