Why Did VSR Ventures Ignore EASA Safety Probes After 2023 Learjet Crash?
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DGCA confirmed VSR Ventures ignored EASA safety concerns after the 2023 Learjet 45 crash, resulting in the operator's TCO suspension in December 2024.
Key Takeaways
- •EASA suspended VSR Ventures' Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation on December 17, 2024, due to regulatory non-compliance.
- •The suspension followed VSR Ventures' persistent failure to provide information on the September 14, 2023, Learjet 45 crash (VT-DBL) in Mumbai.
- •The DGCA confirmed the operator's non-response, which led to EASA issuing a severe Level 1 safety finding.
- •The regulatory action is underscored by a second, fatal VSR Learjet 45 crash that occurred in January 2024 near Baramati.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed a significant lapse in regulatory compliance by Indian non-scheduled operator VSR Ventures.
This follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspending the company’s Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation.
EASA took this action after VSR Ventures failed to respond to safety concerns. The concerns were raised following a Learjet 45 accident in Mumbai in 2023.
Regulatory Non-Compliance
EASA suspended VSR Ventures’ TCO authorisation on December 17, 2024. This decision was based on the operator's complete non-cooperation with the European regulator.
The TCO authorisation is mandatory for non-EU carriers. It allows them to operate commercial flights into, within, or out of European Union airspace.
EASA issued a Level 1 safety finding against VSR Ventures. This is the agency’s most serious category of non-compliance. It is applied when a safety risk cannot be ruled out. It is also used when an operator fails to cooperate with regulatory oversight.
The Learjet 45 Accident
The EASA action stems from an accident involving a Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-DBL). The crash-landing occurred on September 14, 2023, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
The flight, arriving from Visakhapatnam, drifted right of the runway during landing. This happened amid heavy rains and reduced visibility.
The aircraft was destroyed, but all eight people on board survived. EASA sought information on safety recommendations and internal investigation outcomes. They also requested details on corrective measures implemented by VSR Ventures.
DGCA sources confirmed that VSR Ventures provided no substantive reply. The company ignored multiple reminders sent by EASA in late 2024.
Broader Safety Context
This regulatory scrutiny gained wider attention due to a second, fatal accident. Another VSR-operated Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati in January 2024. This second incident killed five people, including a prominent political figure.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe into the 2023 Mumbai crash is currently in its final stages. The AAIB is working to finalize the report on a priority basis.
Regulatory bodies like the DGCA and EASA rely on operator cooperation. This ensures continuous safety monitoring and compliance. Failure to cooperate significantly undermines global aviation safety oversight.
- Key Takeaways on Regulatory Action:
- EASA suspended the TCO authorisation on December 17, 2024.
- The reason was VSR Ventures’ failure to provide information on the 2023 Mumbai crash.
- The non-compliance resulted in a severe EASA Level 1 safety finding.
- The DGCA confirmed the operator’s non-response to EASA’s requests.
This event highlights the strict requirements for international operators. Non-compliance with safety requests can lead to severe operational restrictions. The revocation of the TCO authorisation effectively bars the operator from European airspace. This action is a strong signal to all Third Country Operators. It stresses the importance of transparency and safety culture. The final AAIB report on the 2023 accident is highly anticipated. It may shed further light on the underlying safety issues.
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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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