Learjet 45 Crash at Baramati: How the Accident Unfolded, According to Civil Aviation Ministry
The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures and registered as VT-SSK, was operating a Mumbai–Baramati sector on January 28 when it met with the accident during landing.
New Delhi: On the fatal crash of a Learjet 45 aircraft at Baramati airport killing Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has outlined the sequence of events leading up to the accident, based on preliminary information available with aviation authorities.
The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures and registered as VT-SSK, was operating a Mumbai–Baramati sector on January 28 when it met with the accident during landing. All five occupants on board, including Ajit Pawar, sustained fatal injuries.
Uncontrolled airfield operations
According to the ministry, Baramati Airport is an uncontrolled airfield, where no dedicated air traffic control service is available. Instead, traffic information is provided by instructors or pilots from flying training organisations operating at the location.
The aircraft first established contact with Baramati at 08:18 IST. After being released by Pune approach control, the crew reported at 30 nautical miles inbound and was advised to descend under visual meteorological conditions at the pilot’s discretion.
Weather inputs and first approach
During the approach, the crew sought information on wind and visibility conditions. They were informed that winds were calm and visibility was approximately 3,000 metres.
On the first approach to runway 11, the crew reported that the runway was not in sight and initiated a go-around. No abnormalities were reported at that stage.
Second approach and loss of contact
Following the go-around, the aircraft again reported on final approach for runway 11. When asked to report the runway in sight, the crew initially stated that the runway was not visible and that they would call once visual contact was established.
A few seconds later, the crew reported that the runway was in sight. At 08:43 IST, the aircraft was cleared to land on runway 11. However, the ministry noted that no readback of the landing clearance was received from the crew.
At 08:44 IST, personnel at the airfield observed flames near the threshold of runway 11. Emergency services were immediately deployed to the site.
Wreckage location and investigation
The wreckage of the aircraft was located on the left side of the runway, abeam the threshold of runway 11. The ministry stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has taken over the investigation, and the director general of AAIB is visiting the site to lead the probe.
The aircraft was manufactured in 2010 and held valid airworthiness and review certifications at the time of the accident. The operator had last undergone a regulatory audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in February 2025, with no level-I findings reported.
The ministry emphasised that these details are based on preliminary inputs and that the AAIB investigation will determine the exact cause of the accident. Further information will be released as the investigation progresses.
