AAIB Accelerates Final Report on 2023 Learjet Crash Following Recent Tragedy
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has announced that its investigation into the September 2023 crash of a VSR Ventures-operated Learjet 45 aircraft is now entering its conclusive phase. In an official statement released on Monday, the probe agency emphasized that the investigation team is working on a top priority basis to finalize the comprehensive report detailing the circumstances and causes of the accident.
Heightened Scrutiny After Second Crash
This development comes just days after a separate tragic incident involving another Learjet 45 from the same charter operator, VSR Ventures. The recent crash in Maharashtra's Baramati resulted in the unfortunate deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals on board. This second accident has intensified public and regulatory scrutiny over aviation safety protocols and investigation timelines.
The AAIB acknowledged facing criticism from various quarters regarding the delay in releasing the final investigation report for the 2023 accident, particularly since both incidents involved identical aircraft types operated by the same company. The agency defended its process by highlighting that a detailed preliminary report was published promptly on their website, containing initial findings from flight recorders and other evidence.
Details of the 2023 Mumbai Incident
On September 14, 2023, the VSR-operated Learjet 45 (registered as VT-DBL) was flying from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai when it encountered challenging weather conditions during its landing approach. According to the preliminary investigation report, the aircraft was attempting to land at Mumbai Airport amid heavy rains and significantly reduced visibility.
The flight had proceeded normally until its final approach, when the aircraft began drifting rightward as it neared the runway. Approximately forty seconds after the autopilot was disengaged, cockpit warnings indicated a potential stall situation, followed by ground proximity alerts. The aircraft ultimately crash-landed at the shoulder area where two taxiways intersect at Mumbai airport.
Remarkably, all eight occupants—including two pilots and six passengers—survived the impact, though they sustained various injuries. The fuselage separated into two sections during the crash sequence, and a subsequent fire was quickly extinguished by airport emergency response teams. While most individuals received precautionary treatment and were discharged, the co-pilot suffered more serious injuries requiring extended hospitalization.
Technical and Operational Context
The Learjet 45 is a mid-size business jet manufactured by Canada's Bombardier Aerospace, with approximately 640 units produced between 1995 and 2012. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) records, Delhi-based VSR Ventures maintained a fleet of seventeen aircraft prior to these incidents.
The recent Baramati crash involved a fifteen-year-old Learjet 45 (registered VT-SSK) that departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft disappeared from radar around 8:45 AM after making a looping maneuver to align with the runway at Baramati airport. Preliminary information suggests low visibility conditions may have been a significant factor, with VSR's Director noting the pilots likely encountered visibility challenges.
Notably, the Baramati airport operates as a regional airstrip primarily used for pilot training and private operations. It lacks sophisticated navigational aids to assist pilots during poor visibility conditions, requiring visual navigation approaches that become particularly challenging when weather conditions deteriorate. Additionally, as an uncontrolled airfield, pilots must maintain visual separation from other aircraft and rely on radio communications for coordination.
Investigation Progress and Next Steps
The AAIB has confirmed that its investigation team has thoroughly analyzed all available evidence and documentation related to the 2023 crash. With the investigation now in its final stages, authorities are focusing on compiling a comprehensive final report that will provide detailed insights into the sequence of events and contributing factors.
Simultaneously, the AAIB has initiated a separate investigation into the recent Baramati crash, which will examine multiple aspects including:
- Weather conditions and visibility factors
- Aircraft maintenance records and airworthiness
- Pilot experience and decision-making processes
- Airport infrastructure and operational limitations
- Operator safety protocols and compliance
The aviation community and regulatory bodies await these investigation outcomes with considerable interest, as they may lead to important safety recommendations and procedural enhancements for business aviation operations in India.
