DGCA probes fatal Learjet 45XR crash killing Ajit Pawar near Baramati.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India is investigating a fatal Learjet 45XR crash near Baramati. The accident occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 08:44 IST. The chartered business jet was carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. All five people on board the aircraft died in the accident.

Accident Details

The 16-year-old Learjet 45XR, registered as VT-SSK, was operated by VSR Aviation. The flight originated from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. It was en route to Baramati Airport in the Pune district of Maharashtra.

Reports indicate the aircraft crashed while attempting a second approach to Runway 11. The jet veered off the runway, burst into flames, and was destroyed on impact. The crash site was reportedly just 200 meters short of the runway.

Besides Ajit Pawar, the victims included two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer. The two crew members were identified as Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Shambhavi Pathak.

Investigation Focus

The India DGCA investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the VT-SSK accident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed the black box has been recovered. Officials state a thorough and time-bound inquiry is a top priority.

Preliminary indications suggest the pilots faced visibility issues during the landing attempt. The Baramati airstrip is a small regional facility. It is primarily used for flight training and private aircraft operations.

Regional Airport Safety

Initial reports highlight a potential safety concern at the destination. The Baramati airport reportedly lacks advanced regional airport navigational aids. This deficiency forces pilots to rely heavily on visual judgment in poor weather. The absence of key instruments is a critical factor in the ongoing aviation safety investigation India.

This incident raises questions about private jet safety standards at smaller airfields. The DGCA will examine all operational procedures and maintenance records for the Learjet 45XR. The focus is on the operator, VSR Aviation, and the crew’s training.

Industry Impact

This high-profile accident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures. The crash highlights the risks associated with operating sophisticated aircraft into regional airports. Industry experts will closely monitor the DGCA's findings. The final report could lead to new mandates for navigational equipment. This would impact operations at smaller, non-commercial airfields across India. The aviation sector must ensure consistent safety across all flight operations. The DGCA is committed to a transparent inquiry process.

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