Fit aircraft, experienced pilots: VSR Aviation owners first reaction after Ajit Pawar plane crash
The incident marks the second major accident involving VSR Aviation in recent years, following the crash of another Learjet 45 at Mumbai airport in September 2023.
PTC News Desk: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was travelling aboard a Bombardier Learjet 45 operated by VSR Aviation when the aircraft crashed into an open field just minutes before landing at Baramati Airport, killing all five people on board.
The incident marks the second major accident involving VSR Aviation in recent years, following the crash of another Learjet 45 at Mumbai airport in September 2023.
As demands for an investigation grow, VSR Aviation owner VK Singh — who heads the Delhi-based private firm — stated that the aircraft was in excellent condition and denied any mechanical issues. “There was no technical malfunction in the plane,” Singh said, adding that it had been “very well maintained.”
The company operates a fleet of seven Learjets, and Singh ruled out grounding the remaining aircraft. “Why should I ground them? They are all airworthy. That decision isn’t mine to make,” he remarked, emphasizing that Learjets are regarded globally as highly reliable aircraft.
Originally designed by American inventor Bill Lear and inspired by a Swiss fighter jet, the Learjet can seat up to eight passengers. The brand was acquired by Canada’s Bombardier in 1990 and became synonymous with luxury air travel before production ceased in 2021, as Bombardier shifted focus to its Global and Challenger series. In Tuesday’s crash, the mid-size business jet reportedly veered off the runway during landing and caught fire.
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their two sons, Parth and Jay. Also killed in the accident were his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, pilots Sumit Kapur and Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinki Mali. Pathak was serving as First Officer alongside Captain Kapur.
VK Singh noted that Kapur was a highly experienced aviator with over 16,000 flight hours, while the co-pilot had logged around 1,500 hours. “He was extremely familiar with this aircraft type,” Singh said.
Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft aborted its first landing attempt on Runway 11 due to reduced visibility, reported at approximately 3,000 meters. During the second approach, the crew confirmed visual contact with the runway but failed to acknowledge the final landing clearance issued at 8:43 am.