DGCA Probes VSR Ventures After Fatal Ajit Pawar Learjet Crash
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
India's DGCA is investigating VSR Ventures after a fatal Learjet crash, amid political allegations of conspiracy from the NCP-SP party.
Key Takeaways
- •Triggers special DGCA safety audit into operator VSR Ventures.
- •Faces political allegations of conspiracy from the NCP-SP party.
- •Highlights higher accident rates among India's non-scheduled operators.
- •Involves the fatal crash of a Learjet 45XR on January 28, 2026.
The fatal crash of a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR on January 28, 2026, has prompted a special safety audit by India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The investigation into the accident, which resulted in five fatalities including politician Ajit Pawar, is now facing political scrutiny following allegations of conspiracy and document irregularities from the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP).
The incident has placed India's non-scheduled operator (NSOP) sector under intense review, particularly concerning safety protocols for VIP and VVIP charter flights. The allegations, which link the aircraft operator to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and question statements made by the Union Civil Aviation Minister, have added a political dimension to the technical investigation being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Crash Details and Regulatory Response
The accident occurred at approximately 08:46 IST during a second landing approach to runway 11 at Baramati Airport amid heavy fog and low visibility, according to news reports. The 16-year-old Learjet 45XR, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited, was carrying Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and two pilots. There were no survivors.
In response, the DGCA initiated a special safety audit of VSR Ventures on February 4, 2026. This comprehensive review will examine the operator's compliance, maintenance records, and overall safety systems. The primary investigation into the cause of the crash remains under the jurisdiction of the AAIB, as governed by the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules.
Scrutiny on Non-Scheduled Operators
The crash highlights a persistent safety concern within Indian aviation. Non-scheduled operators accounted for 39.3% of all aviation accidents in India between 2014 and 2020, a disproportionately high figure compared to the 23.2% involving scheduled airlines, according to DGCA data. This history has led to calls for stricter oversight of the charter industry.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), the DGCA conducted 51 regulatory audits of NSOPs in 2025, including multiple surveillances of VSR Ventures. Despite this oversight, the high-profile nature of the Baramati crash has triggered a new wave of regulatory action.
What Comes Next
The AAIB's technical investigation is expected to continue for several months before a preliminary report is released. Concurrently, the DGCA's special audit of VSR Ventures and its phased audits of other NSOPs involved in VIP transport will proceed. The outcome of these reviews could lead to significant changes in the regulatory framework governing charter operations in India. The political allegations will likely ensure the investigation's findings are subject to intense public and governmental scrutiny.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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