Fact Check: Aircraft Involved In Ajit Pawar’s Death Had Crashed Earlier In 2023

Fresh reports around the aircraft involved in the recent incident near Baramati have drawn attention to a previous crash involving the same type of private jet.

Records show that the Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures had earlier met with an accident in September 2023, raising questions about its operational history.

The development has added another layer to the ongoing discussion around aircraft safety and operational checks for private chartered flights.

What Happened in the Latest Incident

NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was involved in a tragic plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. According to these reports, four other people on board, including the pilots and Pawar's security personnel, were also killed in the incident.

 The aircraft reportedly lost control during the landing attempt and crashed close to the runway area.

Visuals from the site showed heavy damage to the aircraft, with debris scattered across the ground and fire visible soon after the impact.

The jet was owned and operated by VSR Ventures and had taken off from Mumbai at around 8 am, reaching the Baramati region roughly 45 minutes later. Authorities have said further details will be shared after official verification.

September 2023 Crash at Mumbai Airport

This is not the first time a Learjet linked to the same operator has been involved in an accident.

On September 14, 2023, another Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures skidded off the runway while trying to land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

That incident occurred during heavy rainfall and poor visibility. The aircraft was flying from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai on a non-scheduled passenger service.

At the time, there were six passengers on board, along with a pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and a co-pilot with a Commercial Pilot Licence. All occupants survived, though the aircraft suffered significant damage.

Focus on Safety and Investigation

The repetition of incidents involving similar aircraft and the same operator has now brought aviation safety protocols under focus. Aviation authorities are expected to examine maintenance records, pilot reports, and weather conditions linked to both incidents.

Officials have said that a detailed investigation will determine the exact cause of the latest crash and whether there is any connection with the earlier 2023 incident.

Further updates are awaited as agencies continue to assess the situation.