Learjet 45XR Crash in Baramati Kills Ajit Pawar: Jet Specs, Operator Info, and Previous Accidents
Learjet 45XR carrying Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar crashes in Baramati; operator and aircraft history reviewed.
India, Jan 28 : India woke up to tragic news on Wednesday as a Learjet 45XR aircraft crashed near Baramati in Pune district, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on board. The plane was en route from Mumbai, where Pawar had a packed schedule of political rallies ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Officials confirmed that all five occupants on the aircraft died in the crash. Preliminary reports indicate the plane lost control during landing near the Baramati airport runway, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene.
About the Aircraft
The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45XR, a mid-size business jet widely used for private and charter flights. Manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009, the Learjet 45XR is designed for short- to medium-haul travel and can accommodate up to eight passengers. Powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines, it can fly at altitudes up to 51,000 feet and cruise at speeds near Mach 0.8, making it one of the faster jets in its class.
Operator Details
The jet was owned and operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, a Delhi-based aviation company founded by VK Singh. VSR Ventures provides charter services, helicopter rentals, air ambulance operations, and aircraft leasing across India. Its fleet includes Learjet 45XRs, Beechcraft Super King Air B200s, and Agusta 109 helicopters.
Past Incidents Involving the Jet
This is not the first time a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures has faced an incident. In September 2023, a chartered Learjet 45 skidded off the runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport during heavy rain, injuring seven passengers. Investigations cited possible wake turbulence from nearby larger aircraft and poor weather conditions as contributing factors.
Global Learjet 45 Accidents
The Learjet 45XR has also been involved in several serious incidents worldwide. Notable cases include:
Mexico Air Force, 2021: A Learjet 45XR crashed during takeoff in Veracruz, killing all six onboard.
Toluca, 2020: Landing gear collapse caused the plane to exit the runway; no injuries reported.
Batesville, USA, 2022: Runway overrun incident with no major injuries.
Mexico City, 2008: A government Learjet 45 crashed after encountering wake turbulence from a Boeing 767 ahead, killing 15 people onboard and six on the ground.
These incidents highlight operational risks under challenging conditions such as weather, turbulence, and runway management, underscoring the need for strict adherence to safety protocols.
