Jet Cleared to Land Seconds Before Crash at Baramati
A Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar crashed in flames at Baramati airport at 8:44 am on Wednesday, killing all five people on board. The civil aviation ministry confirmed that Air Traffic Control (ATC) cleared the aircraft to land just a minute earlier. According to officials, the jet approached runway 11 at Baramati, an “uncontrolled airfield” where flying schools manage ATC operations. Despite calm winds and visibility of around 3,000 metres, the crew struggled to visually acquire the runway during the first approach and initiated a go-around.
ATC Account Reveals Final Moments Before Impact
After the go-around, ATC asked the aircraft to report its position. The crew again lined up for a final approach and informed controllers that the runway was not initially visible. Moments later, they confirmed visual contact with the runway. ATC then issued landing clearance. However, the aircraft crew did not provide a readback of the clearance. Seconds later, controllers saw flames erupt near the threshold of runway 11 at 8:44 am. The wreckage fell on the left side of the runway, ending the flight abruptly.
VSR Ventures Removes Website; Probe Intensifies
Soon after the crash, Delhi-based VSR Ventures Private Limited—the non-scheduled operator (NSOP) that operated the Learjet registered as VT-SSK—took down its official website. The company owns and maintains its fleet independently. HT reached out to company owners VK Singh and Rohit Singh for comment, but they did not respond. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken charge of the probe, and its chief has already travelled to the crash site to oversee the investigation
Aircraft History, Pilot Experience, and Safety Record
DGCA records show the Learjet 45 was manufactured in 2010 and flew from Mumbai to Baramati earlier that morning. Experienced pilots operated the jet, with the captain logging over 15,000 flying hours and the co-pilot more than 1,500 hours. Authorities confirmed that all mandatory certifications remained valid. The aircraft’s air operator permit, first issued in 2014, was renewed in 2023 and valid until 2028. VSR Ventures operates a fleet of 17 aircraft, including multiple Learjets and Embraer business jets. Notably, another Learjet operated by the firm crashed at Mumbai airport in September 2023, injuring passengers. The DGCA’s last audit in February 2025, however, flagged no serious safety violations.
