The fatal Learjet 45 crash in Baramati that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four crew members has a disturbing backstory, confirmed by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The very same aircraft survived a dramatic landing accident at Mumbai Airport in September 2023.
VSR Ventures, the owner, operates a diverse fleet of 17 planes, including the ill-fated Learjet. On that rainy day in Mumbai—September 14, 2023—the jet, registered VT-DBL, struggled amid low visibility with six souls aboard. All escaped injury in what experts call a miracle.
That Mumbai probe lingers with AAIB, now intensified by the Baramati tragedy. The company’s permit is solid through 2028, post a clean DGCA audit in February 2025. No major safety flags were raised then. Captain’s credentials shine: 15,000+ hours, recent medicals and checks in late 2025. Co-pilot: 1,500 hours, cleared in July.
Pawar headed to Baramati for election duties when disaster struck. AAIB chief Yugandhar is on-site, prioritizing black box recovery. As families grieve and nation mourns, this dual-incident saga spotlights private aviation risks. Will regulators tighten reins? Stay tuned for probe outcomes that could reshape non-scheduled ops.