A Learjet 45 aircraft registered VT-SSK, operated by M/s VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd, crashed at Baramati Airport on Wednesday while operating a flight on the “Mumbai–Baramati” sector, killing all five occupants on board, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.
The chartered flight, which departed Mumbai earlier in the morning, was carrying two crew members and three passengers, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in the accident along with the others.
According to the Ministry, the accident occurred during the landing phase at Baramati around 8.44 a.m. Initial reports indicate that after first reporting runway in sight following a go-around, the aircraft did not respond with a readback of landing clearance. Air traffic control at the uncontrolled airfield then observed flames near the threshold of Runway 11, prompting emergency services to rush to the site.
The wreckage was found on the left side of the runway, abeam the threshold of Runway 11. Local rescue teams and emergency personnel responded immediately. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the investigation, and its Director General is en route to the site to lead the inquiry. Further details will be shared as they become available.
Aircraft and Operator Details
The aircraft involved, VT-SSK, was a 2010-manufactured Learjet 45. Its Certificate of Registration was issued on December 27, 2022, and the Certificate of Airworthiness on December 16, 2021. The Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until September 14, 2026. The aircraft had logged 4,915 hours and 5,867 Cycles Since New (CSN).
M/s VSR Ventures, a non-scheduled operator with Permit No. 07/2014, has a fleet of 17 aircraft, including seven Learjet 45s, five Embraer 135BJ aircraft, four King Air B200s and one Pilatus PC-12. The company’s operations were last audited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025, with no Level-I findings issued.
The pilot-in-command held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence with over 15,000 flight hours and a valid medical certificate. The co-pilot was a Commercial Pilot Licence holder with approximately 1,500 hours of flying experience.
Sequence of Events
According to ATC at Baramati, the aircraft first made contact at 8.18 a.m. IST and was later cleared for a visual approach in calm winds and around 3,000 metres visibility. On first attempt, the crew initiated a go-around after not sighting the runway. In subsequent communication, the crew reported the runway in sight and were cleared to land, after which the crash occurred.
Investigation Underway
The AAIB has assumed responsibility for the investigation into the accident. The Bureau’s Director General is expected to reach Baramati shortly to lead the probe. The DGCA has confirmed that all five onboard suffered fatal injuries. More information will be released as the investigation progresses.
