DGCA Grounds VSR Ventures Jets After Baramati Crash Scrutiny

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded four aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited following a special safety audit initiated after a fatal crash in January. The move comes amid sharp criticism from Rohit Pawar, a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who alleges the regulator initially attempted to absolve the operator of responsibility for the accident that killed five people, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The grounding order, issued on February 25, 2026, directly impacts VSR Ventures' fleet and intensifies scrutiny on the DGCA's oversight of non-scheduled airline operators in the country. This developing case highlights the intersection of political pressure and regulatory enforcement in Indian aviation, raising questions about accountability for both operators and the authorities that certify them.

DGCA Audit Uncovers Safety Lapses

Following the January 28, 2026, crash of a Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) near the Baramati airstrip, the DGCA launched a special safety audit into VSR Ventures. According to the regulator's subsequent statement, the audit revealed multiple non-compliances in critical areas, including airworthiness, air safety standards, and flight operations. As a direct result, the DGCA ordered the immediate grounding of four of the operator's Learjet 40/45 series aircraft. The specific aircraft affected are registered as VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI.

These findings contradict initial statements made by officials. On the day of the crash, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu stated, "The DGCA has thoroughly checked, and all the approvals have been given... on that side, we don't see any (concerns)." Rohit Pawar has seized on these early assurances as evidence of a premature attempt to clear the company before a full investigation was conducted.

Allegations of Regulatory Failure

Rohit Pawar has publicly accused the DGCA of acting only after sustained political and public pressure. He alleges that an initial report following the crash contained no serious findings against VSR Ventures, which he described as "the first attempt to issue a clean chit." Pawar insists that any operational failure by VSR Ventures is also an indictment of the regulator's oversight. "If VSR is at fault, then the DGCA is also at fault," he stated, emphasizing that the regulator is responsible for certifying aircraft and monitoring maintenance procedures.

Pawar has expanded his demands beyond the operator, calling for accountability within the regulatory body itself. He has urged for action against specific DGCA officials involved in the oversight of VSR Ventures and has called for the resignation of the Civil Aviation Minister. The MLA argues that the grounding of four aircraft is insufficient, questioning why the rest of the company's fleet, which includes 17 registered aircraft according to the DGCA website, remains cleared for service.

A History of Incidents

The Baramati crash is not the first safety event involving the operator. VSR Ventures had a previous incident on September 14, 2023, when another of its Learjet aircraft skidded off the runway at Mumbai Airport. Furthermore, the operator's international standing has also been questioned. In December 2024, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspended VSR Ventures' Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation for failing to provide required information related to a prior accident.

The formal investigation into the Baramati crash is being conducted by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which has recovered the flight recorders. The probe is expected to determine the precise cause of the accident that resulted in five fatalities, including Ajit Pawar, his security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. The minister has assured a "transparent and accountable" and "time-bound" investigation by the AAIB.

What Comes Next

The grounding of the four jets is contingent upon VSR Ventures addressing the safety deficiencies identified in the DGCA audit. However, the political fallout continues to escalate. Pawar has vowed to press for criminal proceedings against all parties found responsible, including individuals within the state government and aviation coordination firms he claims were aware of the flight's operational details.

In response to this and other incidents, the DGCA has announced plans for enhanced oversight of the charter sector, including a potential safety ranking system for non-scheduled operators and an increase in random audits. This reflects a broader industry trend toward stricter scrutiny of private and charter aviation operations in India.

Why This Matters

This incident transcends a single accident investigation, placing the credibility and effectiveness of India's top aviation regulator under a microscope. The case highlights the potential for political influence in safety oversight and tests the DGCA's ability to enforce standards impartially. For the charter aviation sector, the outcome could lead to more stringent compliance requirements and a less forgiving regulatory environment, ultimately impacting operational costs and procedures for all non-scheduled carriers.

For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights. For reporting on UAP sightings, investigations, and aviation-related encounters, see the UAPs section at flying.flights/uaps.