Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Know About Learjet 45XR, the Aircraft Maharashtra Deputy CM Used Today

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically lost his life in an air crash in Pune on Wednesday morning. Preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate that the aircraft encountered severe technical difficulties and instability during its final approach at approximately 8:45 am, leading to a fatal crash that left no survivors.

Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Details: Time, Cause & How the Ajit Pawar Death Incident Unfolded

Officials stated that the flight, registered as VT-SSK, had taken off from Mumbai before attempting its approach to Baramati. Rescue teams arrived at the site promptly to carry out recovery operations, but tragically, none of the five occupants on board-including two crew members-survived the crash.

According to eyewitnesses and DGCA sources, the jet crash-landed and burst into flames on the runway. Visuals from the scene showed the aircraft completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the area and thick smoke engulfing the wreckage.

Learjet 45XR Crashed At Baramati Airport: Know About The Aircraft Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Used Today

The aircraft, Learjet 45XR reportedly lost control while attempting to land at Baramati airport. The Learjet 45XR is a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009 as per reports. Designed for short- to medium-haul flights, it can carry up to eight passengers and has a cruising speed of Mach 0.78-0.81.

Key Specifications of Learjet 45XR Aircraft Include:

• Range: 2,000-2,235 nautical miles
• Engines: Two Honeywell TFE731 engines
• Maximum altitude: 51,000 feet
• Wingspan: 47 feet
• Maximum weight: 9,752 kg

The Learjet 45XR is known for its speed, efficiency, and comfortable cabin, making it a popular choice for business executives, private charters, and government officials.

Who Owned Learjet 45XR Aircraf? Meet VSR Ventures Private Limited

The aircraft was owned and operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, one of India's largest non-scheduled aircraft operators. The company, founded and led by VK Singh, specialises in private jet charters, helicopter rentals, air ambulance services, and aircraft leasing.

Headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, VSR Ventures manages a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the Learjet 45XR, Beechcraft Super King Air B200 and Agusta 109 helicopters. In addition to aircraft operations, the company offers end-to-end aviation consultancy and aircraft management services, catering to both corporate and private clients across India.

Previous Incidents Linked to VSR Ventures Learjet

The Learjet involved in the crash had a history of previous accidents, raising questions about the operator's safety record. In September 2023, another VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR, registered VT-DBL, crash-landed at Mumbai airport during a flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai.

That incident occurred amid heavy rain and poor visibility, as the aircraft veered off Runway 27 shortly after the crew disengaged the autopilot. The cockpit recorded stall warnings and terrain alerts moments before touchdown, causing the fuselage to snap into two sections. Although a fire broke out, all passengers and crew survived with injuries.

By contrast, the Baramati crash tragically left no survivors among the five onboard, including Ajit Pawar.