Baramati Plane Crash: AAIB Investigates Delhi-Based VSR Aviation After Ajit Pawar Crash

A major aircraft accident occurred at Baramati Airport, involving Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, on Wednesday, January 28. A Learjet 45 aircraft belonging to Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd, with registration number VT-SSK, flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crashed. There were five people on board the aircraft, including Ajit Pawar. Tragically, all passengers and crew members on board were killed in the crash.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, and visibility at the time of landing was around 3,000 metres. As the runway was not visible during the first attempt, the aircraft carried out a go-around. During the second attempt, after receiving landing clearance, air traffic control observed the aircraft catching fire near the runway threshold within moments.

Emergency services rushed to the spot immediately after the accident. The aircraft wreckage was found on the left side of Runway 11.

The official investigation into the accident has now been handed over to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and the Director General of AAIB is personally heading to the site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has clarified that no serious lapses were found against the company during previous inspections.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar’s Plane Attempted Second Landing in Baramati; Pilot Gave ‘Mayday’ Call After Spotting Glitch.

Hours after the jet crash incident in Baramati, AAIB officials reached the Mahipalpur office of VSR Aviation, the private charter firm that operated the aircraft. AAIB officials saw that several employees of the firm were not available in the office.'

At the office gate of VSR Ventures Pvt, AAIB officials verify the document of the watchman. “If you cooperate nothing will happen to you,” one official told him, The Indian Express reported. The gatekeeper repeatedly denied knowledge of the missing individuals, saying he had children to support.

The officials arrived at the company's compound around 11.30 am, and were still questioning the gatekeeper when The Indian Express reached the spot minutes later.

Investigators found a basement door they suspected was connected to the main office. Finding it locked from inside, one official questioned how it could be shut if no one was present, according to the report. The AAIB team waited in their official vehicle until around 12.15 pm, when a person linked to VSR Ventures arrived and opened the office. Another official later entered after removing his lanyard, after which the shutter was closed from outside as discussions continued inside, The Indian Express said.