DGCA Grounds Four VSR Ventures Aircraft After Baramati Crash; Safety Audit Finds Major Lapses
The DGCA has grounded four VSR Ventures aircraft after a special safety audit found major non-compliances following the fatal Learjet 45 crash near Baramati that killed Ajit Pawar and four others.
DGCA Grounds Four VSR Ventures Aircraft After Baramati Crash; Safety Audit Finds Major Lapses
cnbworldtimes.com
New Delhi, 25th Feb, 2026: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded four aircraft of VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd after finding safety lapses during a special audit.
The action comes after the crash of a Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) near Baramati on January 28, 2026. The accident claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
According to a post shared by the DGCA on X, a multi-disciplinary audit team was formed after the accident. The team found several non-compliances in approved procedures related to airworthiness, air safety, and flight operations. It also noted gaps in maintenance practices.
In view of these findings, the DGCA has decided to ground four Learjet 40/45 aircraft with registrations VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI. These aircraft will remain grounded until continued airworthiness standards are restored.
The regulator has issued deficiency reporting forms to VSR Ventures. The company has been asked to submit a detailed root cause analysis of the non-compliances for further assessment.
Reacting to the decision, Maharashtra MLA Rohit Pawar said his family had repeatedly raised concerns about alleged non-compliance by the company. In a post on X, he stated that the DGCA’s action supports their claims. He added that more details would be shared soon.
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report on the Baramati crash before February 28. Some quarters have also raised concerns and speculated about possible reasons behind the fatal accident.
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