DGCA Investigation Reveals Critical Details in Baramati Aircraft Crash
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released preliminary findings regarding the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. According to the aviation regulator, the pilots experienced significant difficulty in visually identifying the runway during their landing attempts, leading to a sequence of events that culminated in the fatal accident.
Failed Visual Approach and Go-Around Attempt
The investigation indicates that the Learjet 45 business aircraft, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd, first contacted Baramati airfield at approximately 8:18 am on the fateful day. The aircraft was operating a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Baramati when the incident occurred. During the initial approach to Runway 11, the crew explicitly reported that the runway was not in sight, prompting them to execute a go-around procedure.
This critical decision meant the pilots aborted their first landing attempt and circled back for another approach. Aviation experts note that go-arounds are standard safety procedures when visual references are inadequate, but the subsequent events suggest this measure proved insufficient to prevent disaster.
Second Approach and Fatal Crash Sequence
On the second approach, the crew again initially reported difficulty spotting the runway before subsequently confirming visibility. The aircraft received clearance to land at 8:43 am, but investigators noted that no readback of the landing clearance was received from the crew, a detail that may factor into the ongoing investigation.
Tragically, moments after the clearance, witnesses observed flames near the threshold of Runway 11. The wreckage was subsequently discovered on the left side of the runway, positioned abeam the threshold area. All five occupants aboard the aircraft—two crew members and three passengers—sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Baramati Airfield Operational Context
The investigation highlights that Baramati operates as an uncontrolled airfield, meaning traffic services and flight information are provided by local flying training organizations rather than the Airports Authority of India. This operational context may have influenced the pilots' situational awareness and decision-making processes.
Weather conditions at the time were reported as visual meteorological conditions with approximately 3,000 meters visibility and calm winds. The aircraft had been released by Pune Approach and was advised to descend at the pilot's discretion, suggesting the crew had operational authority over their approach parameters.
Operator History and Regulatory Oversight
VSR Ventures, the non-scheduled operator of the ill-fated aircraft, maintains a fleet of 17 aircraft including seven Learjet 45 models. The DGCA confirmed that the operator's most recent regulatory audit in February 2025 resulted in no Level-I findings, indicating no major safety deficiencies were identified during that assessment.
This incident marks the second accident involving VSR Ventures aircraft in Maharashtra within the past two and a half years. A previous incident occurred on September 14, 2023, at Mumbai involving another Learjet 45XR aircraft operated by the company, though fortunately that event resulted in no fatalities.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has assumed control of the investigation, with the Director General of AAIB proceeding to the accident site to oversee evidence collection and analysis. The investigation will likely examine multiple factors including:
- Pilot training and experience with visual approaches at uncontrolled airfields
- Aircraft maintenance records and technical performance
- Airfield lighting and visual aids at Baramati
- Communication protocols between the crew and ground services
- Human factors including potential fatigue or situational awareness issues
The absence of a Mayday call from the crew remains another puzzling aspect of the sequence, as standard procedure typically involves emergency declarations when aircraft face imminent danger.
This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political landscape and aviation community, raising important questions about safety protocols at smaller, uncontrolled airfields across India. As the investigation progresses, aviation authorities are expected to review operational procedures and training requirements for flights operating to similar airfields nationwide.
