Learjet 45 Crash Kills Ajit Pawar; Will Baramati Airport Safety Change?

The Learjet 45 crash Baramati has led to five fatalities. The incident claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister. The chartered business jet went down on January 28, 2026. It crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport.

Investigation Underway

India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirmed the accident. The Ajit Pawar air crash investigation is now underway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. Investigators have recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). This data is crucial for determining the final moments of the flight.

The Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft was operated by VSR Ventures. It was flying from Mumbai to Baramati. All five people on board were killed in the accident. The deceased include two pilots, a personal security officer, and a crew member. The DGCA Learjet 45 accident has shocked the nation.

Focus on Airport Infrastructure

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft was on its second landing attempt. Eyewitnesses reported the jet burst into flames upon impact. The investigation is scrutinizing the conditions at Baramati airport. Experts suggest low visibility may have been a factor.

Visibility was reportedly 3,000 meters at the time. This is below the ideal 5,000 meters for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations. Crucially, the Baramati airport infrastructure lacks an Instrument Landing System (ILS). It also does not have runway lights or a beacon. Pilots must rely heavily on visual cues for approach and landing. This limitation raises significant questions about safety protocols. The DGCA must assess the operational limits of such airfields.

Potential Causes and Safety Concerns

Aviation experts are examining several theories. These include an aerodynamic stall or engine failure. Another primary focus is a late visual alignment with the runway. The lack of advanced navigation aids at Baramati is a key concern. This highlights the business jet safety India challenge at smaller airports.

The AAIB's analysis of the black box data will be critical. It will provide precise data on airspeed and control inputs. This will move the inquiry beyond preliminary assessments. The findings will likely impact charter aircraft safety protocols across India. The DGCA may issue new guidelines for VFR operations. This could affect flights into airfields without ILS capabilities. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau aims to prevent similar future tragedies.

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