Ajit Pawar Death: Inside the Learjet 45 Plane That Crashed in Baramati (PICS)

Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar was killed after a chartered aircraft crashed during an emergency landing at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft, a Learjet 45, was owned and operated by VSR Ventures. 

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Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash

A chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra deputy chief minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning, killing all five people on board.

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What DGCA said on plane crash

Preliminary findings from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate that the aircraft ran into serious technical trouble during its final descent. The crash occurred at around 8:45 AM, when the pilot reportedly lost control while attempting to land at Baramati airport. The aircraft crash-landed on the runway and burst into flames, leaving no chance of survival.

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PM Modi Leads Tributes, nation mourns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar as “a leader of the people,” expressing profound sorrow over his sudden demise and acknowledging his dedication to public service. Modi’s tribute highlighted Pawar’s contribution to Maharashtra’s governance and the nation’s political landscape.

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What is Learjet 45XR

The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45XR, a mid-size business jet owned by VSR Ventures Private Limited, one of India’s major non-scheduled aircraft operators. In India, it's registered as VT-SSK and seats up to 9 passengers.

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Learjet 45XR design

Manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009, the Learjet 45XR is designed for short- to medium-haul flights and is widely used for business and charter operations. It has a flying range of 2,000 to 2,235 nautical miles, can carry up to eight passengers, and is known for its high-speed cruising capabilities, operating at speeds of Mach 0.78 to 0.81.

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Learjet 45 Features

Powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines, the aircraft is capable of reaching altitudes of up to 51,000 feet and is valued for its efficient performance and comfortable cabin layout. The jet has a wingspan of 47 feet and a maximum weight of 9,752 kg.

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About VSR Ventures

VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, the registered legal name of the company VSR aviation is a New Delhi-based non-scheduled air transport operator specialising in private jet charters, medical evacuations, and aviation consultancy. 

A diverse fleet that includes the Learjet 45XR, Beechcraft Super King Air B200, and Agusta 109 helicopters.

The VT-SSK Learjet 45XR that crashed was created in the 1990s as a challenger to Cessna Citation Excel in the “super-light” business category.

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Price and Charter

Costing around $0.9M to $1.5M, it's popular for charter and corporate use. The Learjet 45XR is a symbol of power moves and VIP travel.

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Plane that Ajit Pawar died in had crashed in 2023 as well

The plane that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a crash this morning, had crashed in 2023 as well. In September 2023, the private plane skid off the runway and crashed while trying to land amid heavy rain at Mumbai airport.