Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's Learjet Crashes Near Baramati Airport
A Learjet 45 XR aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other individuals crashed near the Baramati airport runway on Wednesday morning, with officials fearing no survivors. The private jet, registered as VT-SSK and belonging to VSR Ventures, had taken off from Mumbai and was attempting to land at Baramati when the tragic incident occurred.
Details of the Crash Incident
According to sources from air traffic control, the aircraft crash-landed at approximately 8:48 AM near the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati airport. The plane burst into flames upon impact, leading to immediate concerns about the fate of those on board. A source stated, "It is suspected that there are no survivors", highlighting the severity of the accident.
On board the flight were Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, two personnel, and two crew members, as confirmed by a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official. Rescue operations were swiftly initiated at the crash site, with emergency teams working to assess the situation and recover any remains.
History of VSR Ventures Aircraft Incidents
This crash marks the second accident involving a VSR Ventures aircraft in Maharashtra within the last two and a half years. The previous incident occurred on September 14, 2023, at Mumbai airport, involving another Learjet 45XR owned by the company, registered as VT-DBL.
In that earlier accident, the aircraft was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai with six passengers on board. The flight proceeded normally until landing, when heavy rains and reduced visibility at Mumbai Airport created challenging conditions. During the landing attempt on Runway 27, the aircraft drifted to the right and moved towards Apron C.
Approximately 40 seconds after the autopilot was disconnected, cockpit warnings including the Stick Shaker alert and Stall warning sounded, followed by EGPWS warnings. The aircraft crash-landed at the shoulder of the intersection of Taxiway W and Taxiway N, resulting in the fuselage breaking into two pieces. It skidded and came to a stop near the intersection of Taxiway U and Taxiway N on an unpaved area near stand C80.
A fire broke out after the crash, but fire tenders quickly extinguished it. All occupants were evacuated, though they sustained various injuries from the impact. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in that incident, unlike the current Baramati crash.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the causes of the Baramati crash, with the DGCA and other aviation bodies examining factors such as weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, and pilot actions. The recurrence of accidents involving VSR Ventures aircraft raises questions about safety protocols and operational standards within the company.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovering the victims and providing support to their families. The incident has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political and aviation circles, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures in private aviation.
