Baramati Plane Crash: K Rammohan Naidu Confirms No Safety Concerns Regarding Aircraft Operator

The tragic plane crash at Baramati airport claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The incident involved a Learjet 45 aircraft, registered as VT-SSK, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, a non-scheduled operator based in Delhi. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu assured that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) would conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.

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Minister Naidu, speaking at the Wings India 2026 aviation summit, confirmed that both AAIB and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) teams were present at the crash site. He stated, "We just need an in-depth look at what happened that time." Naidu visited the crash site to assess the situation personally and address any concerns regarding the aircraft's operator.

Safety Concerns and Investigations

When questioned about potential safety issues with the operator, Naidu dismissed such concerns. He explained that DGCA had conducted comprehensive checks and granted all necessary approvals. "The organisation also seems to have gone through one assessment last year itself," he added, indicating confidence in their operational safety standards.

Naidu also addressed questions about uncontrolled airfields and flying training organisations. He assured that if reforms are needed, they will be implemented. The minister emphasised that any changes would be based on findings from the ongoing investigations.

Pilot Experience and Aircraft Safety

The Pilot In Command (PIC) of the ill-fated aircraft had over 15,000 flying hours, highlighting their extensive experience. Naidu stated there were no issues concerning pilot competence. When asked about global safety concerns related to Learjets, Naidu mentioned that nothing alarming had been reported to them.

Describing the crash as a "very unfortunate incident," Naidu stressed his reliance on factual information from AAIB for further comments. He urged against spreading false narratives about the accident, stating his intention to speak only based on verified facts.

The investigation aims to uncover the cause of this tragic event while ensuring aviation safety standards are upheld. The findings will guide any necessary reforms or actions to prevent future occurrences.

With inputs from PTI