‘Jet was 100% safe’: Operator’s claim sparks fresh questions hours after Ajit Pawar plane crash

Baramati: Hours after a chartered business jet crashed near Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the aircraft operator has asserted that the jet was “100% safe” and had no known technical issues before the fatal flight.

The statement, issued amid shock and grief across Maharashtra, has sparked fresh questions over what caused the crash of the Bombardier Learjet 45XR, a super-light business jet owned and operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited.

The aircraft was flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it reportedly aborted its first landing attempt and crashed during a second approach, veering off near the runway before bursting into flames. All five occupants on board were killed.

While the operator has ruled out mechanical failure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a detailed probe into the incident. Investigators are analysing flight data, aircraft maintenance logs, weather conditions, and air traffic control communication to establish the sequence of events that led to the crash.

Aviation experts have cautioned that claims of airworthiness will be examined closely during the investigation, noting that even well-maintained aircraft can be affected by human error, environmental factors or sudden system failures.

Ajit Pawar’s death has sent shockwaves through the state’s political circles, with leaders across party lines expressing condolences and demanding a transparent investigation into the tragedy.