CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Mumbai. Questions have been raised over safety arrangements in connection with the plane crash involving late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and matters linked to aviation company VSR Ventures. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) final report on the Learjet accident in Mumbai in 2023 has cited shortcomings related to flight operations, the pilot’s decision-making and safety procedures. Several safety-related lapses had also emerged in the preliminary investigation into Ajit Pawar’s aircraft accident near Baramati on January 28, 2026.
What did the report on the 2023 Mumbai accident find?
On September 14, 2023, a Learjet aircraft operated by VSR Ventures crashed while landing at Mumbai airport. All eight people on board were injured, but there were no fatalities. According to reporting published on October 16, 2026, the AAIB’s final report included the continuation of an unstable landing procedure in bad weather, time pressure and aspects linked to the pilot’s decision-making among the key causes of the accident. The report also underlined the need to improve coordination among crew members, training and safety procedures. Recommendations were also made to strengthen oversight of aircraft operations and maintenance.
What had emerged in Ajit Pawar’s aircraft accident?
On January 28, 2026, a Learjet-45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures crashed while landing in Baramati. All five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, died in the accident. The AAIB’s preliminary report mentioned an attempt to land in visibility below the prescribed limit, along with issues related to runway maintenance and safety procedures. After this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a special safety audit of the company. In February 2026, the regulator directed that four aircraft of VSR Ventures be grounded after several deficiencies were found in airworthiness, aircraft safety and flight operation procedures.
Questions over aviation safety raised again
The two incidents occurred in different years, so the findings of their investigations should not be treated as part of the same accident. The final report on the Mumbai accident and the preliminary report on the Baramati accident relate to separate investigations. The official status of the investigation and the final report will be important for any final conclusion on the causes of the Baramati crash. These cases have again brought forward the need to review aviation safety systems concerning charter aircraft operations, pilot training, maintenance and regulatory oversight.
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