Operated by VSR Ventures, the jet’s operator boasts a 17-aircraft fleet and a clean recent DGCA audit in February 2025. Yet, a prior 2023 incident with a sister Learjet in Mumbai lingers unresolved, raising eyebrows about recurring issues.

Captain Sumit Kapoor’s 15,000+ hours and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak’s 1,500 hours underscored the crew’s credentials, with all certifications up to date. The five victims: Pawar, PSO Vidip Jadhav, attendant Pinki Mali, and the pilots.

At the uncontrolled Baramati strip, post-Mumbai takeoff, the flight contacted local traffic amid stable weather—light winds, 3km visibility. Cleared by Pune for visuals, they go-arounded once after missing Runway 11, then reported it in sight. Landing nod at 8:43 AM went unacknowledged via readback. Seconds later, fire erupted at threshold; the plane swerved off left and disintegrated.

Swift response saw AAIB assuming lead investigation, teams rushing from Delhi. DGCA aids on-ground, prioritizing CVR and FDR analysis. As Baramati mourns, the crash spotlights risks at non-towered fields and private jet ops, demanding urgent safety reforms amid grief-stricken tributes pouring in for the veteran leader.