Ajit Pawar plane crash: Same Learjet 45 private jet had skidded off Mumbai airport runway in 2023

Ajit Pawar death

• Ajit Pawar's plane crashed in Pune, caught fire, and was severely damaged.
• Learjet 45 skidded off Mumbai runway in heavy rain, September 2023.
• Investigators probe cause; weather or technical issues unconfirmed.

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The plane in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was travelling when it crashed on Wednesday morning had been involved in an earlier accident as well.

In September 2023, the same private jet had skidded off the runway while landing at Mumbai airport during heavy rainfall and had suffered damage, NDTV reported.

The chartered aircraft crashed in Pune district while attempting to land on Wednesday. The plane had taken off from Mumbai earlier in the day and was heading to Baramati. Pawar was scheduled to attend four key political meetings as part of campaigning ahead of the upcoming local body elections, PTI reported.

The aircraft involved was a privately operated Learjet 45, managed by VSR Ventures. Officials said the jet lost control during the landing phase and crashed at the Baramati airstrip. Soon after the impact, the aircraft caught fire. Visuals from the crash site showed severely damaged and mangled remains of the jet.

2023 crash 

The Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures had skidded off the runway while landing at Mumbai airport on September 14, 2023, after flying from Visakhapatnam on a non-scheduled passenger service.

The aircraft, carrying six passengers, was piloted by an ATPL-licensed commander with a CPL-qualified co-pilot. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the flight was uneventful until approach. Mumbai was witnessing heavy rain and poor visibility, with reported winds of 140 degrees at 7 knots during landing clearance.

All about the aircraft

The Learjet 45XR is a high-performance, super-light business aircraft known for its speed, fuel efficiency and ability to fly at high altitudes. It has a wingspan of 47 feet and weighs approximately 9,752 kilograms. The aircraft was part of the fleet operated by VSR Ventures, a company founded and owned by VK Singh.

VSR Ventures specialises in private jet charters, helicopter services, medical evacuation flights and aircraft leasing. Its fleet includes aircraft such as the Learjet 45XR, Beechcraft Super King Air B200 and Agusta 109 helicopters.

The company is headquartered in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, and provides aviation consultancy and aircraft management services.

The incident occurred around 08.48 am during landing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft, identified as VT-SSK Learjet 45 operated by VSR, was involved in the crash. Emergency services rushed to the site, but the impact was severe.

Investigators are now examining the cause of the accident. Early information suggests the plane was attempting to land after a short flight from Mumbai. Officials have not yet confirmed whether weather conditions or technical issues played a role.