DGCA Grounds Four VSR Ventures Aircraft Following Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Pune: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the grounding of four aircraft from VSR Ventures Private Limited following a special safety audit, a month after a fatal crash claimed the lives of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.

The crash occurred on January 28 near Baramati, when a Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures went down. In response, the DGCA conducted a thorough safety audit, uncovering multiple violations in maintenance protocols, flight operations, and airworthiness standards.

Aircraft Grounded Pending Rectification

Based on the audit findings, the DGCA has directed VSR Ventures to ground four Learjet 40/45 aircraft—registration numbers VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI—until corrective measures are implemented and all standards are fully restored. The regulator will permit flight operations only once compliance is verified.

In a statement, the DGCA said:
“Considering the irregularities identified and deficiencies in maintenance procedures, these aircraft have been immediately removed from service. The company has been instructed to carry out corrective actions and report back on compliance before further operations can resume.”

Company Issued Compliance Forms

VSR Ventures has received detailed forms highlighting the deficiencies so the company can analyze and report on the root causes of the violations. The DGCA will evaluate these reports before taking further action.

Preliminary Report Expected Soon

Central Civil Aviation State Minister and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the preliminary investigation report into the January 28 crash is expected to be released by February 28, as per regulatory norms.

The incident has generated intense speculation and scrutiny. NCP leaders, including Pawar’s nephew Rohit Pawar, have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and technical lapses associated with the company that owned the aircraft. The DGCA continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.