TNI Bureau: More than two years after a Learjet operated by VSR Ventures crash-landed at Mumbai airport, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has still not released its final investigation report, despite having downloaded flight recorder data and extracted key systems for analysis.

The delay has come under sharp focus following another fatal crash involving a VSR Ventures aircraft on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others during a flight from Mumbai to Baramati.

AAIB Director Jasbir Singh Larhga told News18, “The report, whatever completed, is available on the website of AAIB. The rest is in progress.” The agency’s Director General, GVG Yugandhar, is currently on tour, and detailed queries have been sent to him via email.

2023 Mumbai Crash

On September 14, 2023, a VSR-owned Learjet 45XR (VT-DBL) crash-landed at Mumbai airport amid heavy rain and reduced visibility. The aircraft veered off Runway 27, triggered stall and terrain warnings, broke apart on impact, and was completely destroyed. All six occupants survived, though several sustained serious injuries.

The AAIB’s preliminary report recorded deteriorating weather, runway drift, autopilot disengagement, stick shaker activation, stall warnings and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) alerts moments before the aircraft left the paved surface. Despite the seriousness of the incident, there was no public record of enhanced regulatory action against the operator.

2026 Baramati Crash

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the latest crash occurred on January 28, 2026, when a Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures attempted to land at Baramati, an uncontrolled airfield. The aircraft initiated a go-around after the runway was not in sight and attempted a second approach. It crashed moments later, killing all five occupants on board.

This marks the second serious landing accident involving a VSR Learjet in less than three years.

Oversight and Compliance

The Ministry said VSR Ventures operates as a Non-Scheduled Operator (NSOP) with a valid Air Operator Permit renewed until 2028 and a fleet of seven Learjet 45 aircraft. A DGCA regulatory audit conducted in February 2025 reportedly found no Level-I safety deficiencies.

However, corporate filings show two years of non-compliance in submitting AGM and balance sheet documents, raising concerns about governance standards in a company responsible for VIP air travel.

VSR Ventures was incorporated in 2011 with an authorised capital of ₹20 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹17 crore, and is registered with the Registrar of Companies in Delhi.

The absence of a final AAIB report on the 2023 crash, coupled with a second fatal accident, has intensified calls for faster investigations, stronger oversight and greater transparency in aviation safety.