DGCA Flags Missing Maintenance Records in Aircraft Linked to Ajit Pawar Crash

New Delhi: Fresh developments have emerged in the investigation into the plane crash involving Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, with aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly suspecting serious lapses in aircraft maintenance.

Sources indicate that the aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, which was used in the crash incident, may not have undergone timely maintenance. During a special safety audit conducted by the DGCA, maintenance records for multiple aircraft owned by the company were found to be missing.

Four Aircraft Grounded

Following the audit, four Learjet 40/45 aircraft bearing registration numbers VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI have been grounded. Investigators reportedly could not access mandatory maintenance logs and technical documentation for these aircraft.

The absence of records has made it difficult for authorities to verify:

• Total flying hours logged by the aircraft
• Whether scheduled maintenance and servicing were conducted on time
• If defective components were replaced as required
• Compliance with safety and airworthiness norms

Officials suspect that the aircraft used by Ajit Pawar may have been flown beyond permissible operational hours without adequate servicing.

Audit Raises Broader Concerns

Sources further suggest that similar irregularities have been detected in other smaller private aviation operators during recent DGCA security audits. Authorities are now preparing to initiate action against airlines found violating maintenance protocols.

There is growing concern within regulatory circles that some operators engaged in VIP charter services may be underreporting flight hours while delaying or bypassing mandatory maintenance checks — practices that could compromise flight safety.

Investigation Continues

The DGCA has made it clear that the grounded aircraft will not be permitted to resume operations until all deficiencies are rectified and complete maintenance documentation is furnished.

The latest revelations add a critical dimension to the ongoing crash investigation, shifting focus toward systemic compliance issues in private aviation operations.

As scrutiny intensifies, the case is expected to have far-reaching implications for regulatory oversight and safety standards in India’s charter aviation sector.