VSR Ventures Faces Questions: Second Learjet 45 Hull Loss in Under 3 Years
VSR Aviation's Learjet 45 crashes for second time in <3 years; Ajit Pawar dies in Baramati incident.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died on Wednesday morning when the Learjet 45XR private jet he was traveling in crashed near Baramati during an emergency landing attempt. All five onboard, including two crew members and two personnel, perished in the incident, confirmed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The jet, registered VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, a New Delhi-based company with operations in Mumbai, Bhopal, and Hyderabad. DGCA sources confirmed that this is the second major hull-loss incident involving a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures in under three years, following the crash of VT-DBL in Mumbai in September 2023.
VSR Aviation, owned by Vijay Kumar Singh, provides private jet charters, leasing, air ambulance services, and empty leg flights, serving a clientele that includes companies like Havells India, Welspun, and APL Apollo. According to the operator, the firm employs over 60 pilots and has a 15-year track record in business aviation.
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The Bombardier Learjet 45XR, on which Pawar was traveling, is a high-performance midsize business jet known for its faster cruise speeds, higher takeoff weights, and rapid climb rates compared to earlier models. With a seating capacity of nine, the aircraft demands precise handling and strict adherence to operational protocols, particularly in challenging conditions.
Investigators from the DGCA and accident authorities are examining cockpit voice recorder data, black box information, pre-flight maintenance records, weather conditions, and pilot communications to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that dense fog and hilly terrain in the Baramati region may have contributed to the aircraft losing control during the landing attempt.
The crash has renewed scrutiny over the safety record of VSR Ventures, highlighting potential concerns about the operational risks associated with high-performance business jets in India.
Also Read: What Caused Ajit Pawar's Fatal Learjet Crash Near Baramati Airport?
