A preliminary report on the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) crash in Maharashtra’s Baramati, which resulted in the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others, will be released within 30 days following the incident, as per aviation regulations. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that a detailed investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is underway, focusing on technical and evidence-based analysis involving wreckage examination, operational records review, and laboratory testing.
The AAIB’s investigation includes the examination of two flight recorders onboard the aircraft. The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) has been successfully retrieved and analyzed in New Delhi, while the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has sustained damage, requiring technical support from the manufacturer, Honeywell, as per international aviation rules. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted 51 regulatory audits of non-scheduled operators in 2025, with specific attention to safety systems, maintenance compliance, and documentation.
In response to the crash, the Civil Aviation Ministry directed the DGCA to conduct a special audit of VSR Ventures, focusing on regulatory compliance, operational controls, maintenance practices, and crew training standards. Similar audits are being carried out for other non-scheduled operators and aerodromes involved in VIP/VVIP operations. The ongoing investigation into the Learjet 45 accident adheres strictly to aviation regulations and international standards, ensuring transparency, safety oversight, and accountability.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative and regulatory processes to proceed without speculation, in line with established procedures. Stakeholders are urged to support the statutory investigation and regulatory actions undertaken by the authorities to ensure a thorough review of the incident.
