In the aftermath of the tragic Learjet crash near Baramati on Wednesday, the Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu visited the site and met with the family of the deceased.
The Minister described the crash as “deeply saddening” and announced that the government has launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. He emphasized that strict actions will be taken according to protocol once the aviation authorities provide their findings.
“As per the protocol, an investigation is on into the incident,” Naidu told reporters on the sidelines of Wings 2026 in Hyderabad.
He added that teams from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are currently on-site investigating the incident. Naidu emphasized the need to rely on expert analysis instead of speculation.
Preliminary Crash Details
He added that preliminary reports indicate that the pilot faced visibility challenges on the first landing attempt at Baramati airstrip.
“Unable to see the runway, he informed Air Traffic Control (ATC), which advised him to go around. After circling, the pilot made a second landing attempt after reportedly spotting the runway, but unfortunately, the aircraft crashed during this approach,” Naidu sai
The Minister mentioned that the incident took place at an “uncontrolled airfield,” which does not have a full-time air traffic control (ATC) or meteorological officer.
He acknowledged that this situation raises safety concerns, especially when the airstrip is used for VIP flights. He reassured the public that the government prioritizes safety, stating, “Any life is valuable to us. Whether it’s a student pilot or a VIP, we want to ensure a safe aviation system in the country.”
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Infrastructure Assessment
When asked about potential issues with infrastructure at the Baramati airstrip, the Minister explained that it has been in operation for a long time, serving flying schools and private operators regularly. He emphasized that the runway length is appropriate for aircraft landings and described the incident as an “unfortunate event,” not related to infrastructure problems.
“Let us get some more information on this, and definitely, whatever is required, we will go ahead with it. Safety and security are of the topmost priority to us,” Naidu said
The minister said there were no immediate safety concerns with the operator or the aircraft.
“I don’t think there is any problem on that. The DGCA has thoroughly checked, and all approvals were given. And the organisation (VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd) also seems to have been gone through an assessment last year. So on that side, we don’t see any (concern),” he said.
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Experienced Pilot Profile
“The pilot(in command) had over 15,000 hours (of flying experience). So he’s a very experienced person,” the Minister said.
There were no safety issue with the aircraft type (Learjet) either, Naidu said.
Regarding a potential safety audit of all general aviation and business jet operations, the Minister indicated that such a step would depend on initial findings. He underscored that safety and security are the highest priorities, insisting there will be no tolerance for necessary reforms or improvements.
Naidu also referred to past accidents, including a similar crash in Mumbai involving the same operator, and noted that he has requested updates from the Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AIB) regarding pending reports. |
