What went wrong on Learjet 45: Timeline of Ajit Pawar’s fatal flight | Pune News
Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday morning when the private jet carrying him from Mumbai crashed near Baramati airport, approximately 100 km from Pune, plunging the state into political uncertainty.The crash, which occurred at 8:44 am, also claimed the lives of four others: pilots Captain Sumit Kapur and First Officer Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and personal security officer Vidip Jadhav.Preliminary sources suggest that a technical glitch in the 8-seater Learjet 45 and poor visibility due to early morning fog could have contributed to the tragedy.The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal probe, with officials emphasizing that the flight data recorder (black box) will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash.PILOT’S FLYING EXPERIENCE WAS OVER 15,000 HOURSFATAL FLIGHTRoute: Mumbai-BaramatiAircraft: Learjet 45 (a mid-size, twin-engine business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace, commonly used for corporate and VIP charter flights)Manufacture year: 2010Registration: VT-SSKFlight operator: VSR VenturesSEQUENCE OF EVENTSAs per civil aviation ministry statement:8.11am, WedAircraft took off from Mumbai8.18amFirst came in contact with Baramati ATCNext call when aircraft was 30 nautical miles (55km) from BaramatiPlane was advised to descend as per conditions at pilot’s discretionCrew enquired about winds and visibility; informed that winds were calm and visibility was around 3,000 metresAircraft got in touch with ATC on final approach to Baramati runway 11, said runway was not in sight. Crew then initiated a go-aroundAfter go-around, aircraft was asked about its position. Crew reported they were on their second approach to runway 11They were asked to report if runway was in sight. They replied, “runway is currently not in sight, will call when runway is in sight”After a few seconds they reported that the runway was in sight8.43amAircraft was cleared to land on runway 11, but it did not do a readback of the landing clearance, as per protocol8.44amATC saw flames around threshold of runway 11Emergency services rushed to the crash siteAircraft wreckage was located on left side of the runwayDistance flown approx: 250kmPilot’s flying experience: More than 15,000 hoursVSR VENTURESPrevious incident: On Sep 14, 2023, a Learjet 45 was in an accident during landing at Mumbai. Accident under probe by AAIBFleet: 17 aircraft, including 7 Learjet 45, 5 Embraer 135BJ, 4 King Air B200 and 1 Pilatus PC-12Last audit by DGCA: Feb 2025; no findings indicating risk to safetyINVESTIGATIONAircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over probe; director general, AAIB, expected to reach accident siteAt Baramati, flight traffic is monitored by instructors/pilots of Carver Aviation, a flying school.
