Learjet 45 Crash Kills Ajit Pawar: Did Uncontrolled Baramati Airfield Play a Role?
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VSR Ventures' Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crashed in heavy fog at Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others; the uncontrolled airfield's lack of advanced aids is under investigation.
Key Takeaways
- •The Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crash killed five, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, during a second landing attempt in heavy fog at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026.
- •Baramati Airport is an uncontrolled airfield, lacking a full ATC, ILS, or ALS, which is a key focus of the AAIB investigation into the accident's contributing factors.
- •The operator, VSR Ventures, was involved in a prior serious crash-landing of another Learjet 45 at Mumbai Airport in September 2023, raising concerns about charter safety oversight.
- •The incident prompts urgent review of safety regulations and infrastructure requirements for business jet operations at India's smaller, uncontrolled airfields.
The commercial aviation sector in India is scrutinizing safety protocols following a fatal Learjet 45 crash Baramati on January 28, 2026. The accident killed five people, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The VSR Ventures accident occurred during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport, his hometown.
Accident and Investigation Details
The Bombardier Learjet 45 business jet, registered VT-SSK, was on a charter flight from Mumbai. The aircraft was attempting to land in heavy fog and low visibility conditions. The crew initiated a go-around after failing to sight the runway on the first approach. The aircraft crashed during its second landing attempt near the threshold of Runway 11. It subsequently burst into flames, killing all five people on board. The victims included Deputy Chief Minister Pawar (66), his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, Pilot-in-Command Captain Sumeet Kapoor, Co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, and crew member Pinki Mali. Captain Kapoor was highly experienced, reportedly logging over 15,000 flight hours.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has launched a comprehensive DGCA AAIB probe. Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the operator was VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a non-scheduled operator. The investigation will focus on crew actions and the operational environment. Initial reports cited the crew's inability to see the runway during descent as a factor.
Baramati Airfield and Safety Concerns
The crash has highlighted significant India charter flight safety gaps, particularly at smaller airfields. Baramati Airport is classified as an uncontrolled airfield Baramati. This means it lacks essential infrastructure for complex instrument approaches.
- No ATC or ALS: The airstrip does not have a full Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. It also lacks an Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Approach Lighting System (ALS).
- Rudimentary Control: Air traffic services are instead provided by instructors from local flying schools.
- VFR Operations: The airport operates purely under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This makes landings extremely challenging in low-visibility conditions like dense fog.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed a temporary ATC and meteorological team after the crash. This was done to support safe air operations for VIPs attending the state funeral. The deployment underscored the airfield's lack of permanent, professional air navigation services.
Operator's Prior Incident
Attention has also been drawn to VSR Ventures' operational history. Another Learjet 45XR owned by the company was involved in a serious crash-landing. This incident occurred at Mumbai International Airport in September 2023. That aircraft, VT-DBL, veered off the runway in heavy rain and low visibility. The fuselage broke apart, though all eight occupants survived. The recurrence of a serious accident involving a VSR Ventures Learjet, with low visibility as a factor, raises questions about the operator's safety management system and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The VT-SSK crash investigation will likely review these systemic issues.
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The tragic loss of the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister has put pressure on the DGCA. There is a renewed call for stricter oversight of non-scheduled and private aviation. Experts warn that the rapid growth of private aviation safety gaps in India must be addressed. This includes mandating advanced navigational aids at airfields frequently used by business jets. The Learjet 45 operational limits in poor weather, especially at uncontrolled airfields, are now a central topic of discussion. The final AAIB report is expected to recommend systemic changes to improve safety at Category A airfields across the country.
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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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