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In September 2023, another VSR-owned Learjet 45XR (VT-DBL) crash-landed at Mumbai airport during heavy rain
The fatal plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar marks the second serious landing accident involving a VSR Learjet in under three years. File image
More than two years after a VSR Ventures Learjet crash-landed at Mumbai airport, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had still not submitted a final investigation report, even though in its preliminary report in September 2023, the agency stated that the “flight recorder data has been downloaded at DGCA Flight Recorders Lab”. The preliminary report also added that the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and Digital Engine Electronic System (DEES) were extracted from the aircraft, while the units were sent to an approved facility for downloading the data. On Wednesday, another aircraft operated by the same company crashed, killing Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and 4 others. News18 has spoken with Jasbir Singh Larhga, Director, AAIB, about the status of the final report about the crash. “The report, whatever completed, is available on the website of AAIB. Rest is in progress,” Singh said. News18 also tried to reach out to GVG Yugandhar, DG, AAIB, who is currently on tour. An email with detailed queries has been sent to him in this regard.
The fatal plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar marks the second serious landing accident involving a VSR Learjet in under three years, escalating a warning ignored once before by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), from “serious injuries” in 2023 to a political tragedy in 2026.
In September 2023, another VSR-owned Learjet 45XR (VT-DBL) crash-landed at Mumbai airport during heavy rain. The aircraft veered off Runway 27, triggered stall and terrain warnings, broke apart on impact, and was completely destroyed. All six occupants survived with injuries classified as “serious”, while the pilots suffered grievous injuries. It was a crash landing too.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report submitted to the Ministry of Civil Aviation after the 2023 crash, accessed by News18, documented rapidly deteriorating weather, reduced visibility, and “runway drift, autopilot disengagement, stick shaker activation and stall warnings” just seconds before the aircraft exited the paved surface and fractured into two sections. In aviation terms, it was a textbook near-miss, said a senior official, who was then in the Bureau of Civil Aviation and in the know of things.
Despite the loss of the aircraft and the seriousness of the incident, there was not much public record of enhanced regulatory action, grounding, or intensified oversight of the operator.
Similar crash: What AAIB report said
The preliminary report by the AAIB stated, “On 14 September 2023, M/s VSR Ventures owned Learjet 45XR aircraft VT-DBL was involved in an accident while landing at Mumbai Airport at approximately 11:32 UTC. The aircraft was operating a non-scheduled passenger flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai, under the command of a PIC (Pilot in Command, an ATPL holder) and a Co-pilot (a CPL holder). There were six passengers on board. The aircraft took off normally from Visakhapatnam and the flight en route was uneventful. The aircraft established contact with Mumbai tower and was instructed to prepare for landing. The aircraft was cleared to land on Runway 27 and was given landing clearance at 113109 UTC. At the time of landing, Mumbai Airport was experiencing heavy rains and reduced visibility.”
“The crew had a runway in sight and they decided to land on Runway 27. The aircraft continuously drifted right of Runway 27 and moved towards Apron C. About 40 seconds after the autopilot was disconnected, Stick Shaker alert sounded in the cockpit accompanied by a Stall warning,” it added. “Thereafter, EGPWS warnings were generated and the aircraft crash-landed at the shoulder of the intersection of Taxiway W and Taxiway N. As a result, the aircraft’s fuselage broke into two pieces and skidded, finally coming to a stop near the intersection of Taxiway U and Taxiway N on an unpaved area (near stand C80).”
“Following the crash, a fire broke out and fire tenders rushed to the site and extinguished the fire. All occupants of the aircraft were evacuated, but they sustained various injuries due to the impact and were immediately admitted to the nearest hospital. Passengers and PIC were discharged after precautionary treatment. The co-pilot received serious injuries and was admitted for a longer time. The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau shall be the prevention of accidents,” the report further added.
Last regulatory audit in 2025
According to a note issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) crashed while operating a Mumbai-Baramati sector on January 28. Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, with traffic information provided by local instructors and pilots rather than full ATC control.
The aircraft attempted an approach to Runway 11, initiated a go-around after the runway was not in sight, and then attempted a second approach. The crew again reported that the runway was “not in sight”. Moments later, the aircraft crashed. All five occupants, including Ajit Pawar, received fatal injuries.
The note also confirms that VSR Ventures operates as a Non-Scheduled Operator (NSOP) with a valid Air Operator Permit renewed till 2028 and that the company’s fleet includes seven Learjet 45 aircraft, one of which was involved in the Baramati crash. It has stated that DGCA conducted a regulatory audit of VSR in February 2025 and issued no Level-I findings.
Corporate filings
Corporate filings tell a different story. Records show two years of AGM and balance sheet non-compliance, which also raises questions about governance standards in a company entrusted with VIP movements and high-risk aviation operations.
The company was incorporated in 2011 with an authorised capital of Rs 20 crore and a paid-up capital of Rs 17 crore. It was registered with RoC Delhi, as per the firm’s filing details.
January 28, 2026, 16:18 IST
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