The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken strict action against VSR Ventures by grounding four of their aircraft with immediate effect. On February 24, 2026, the aviation regulator issued orders to stop the operations of four Learjet 40/45 planes belonging to the company. This decision comes after a special safety audit was conducted following the tragic plane crash involving Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Baramati last month.
Why has the DGCA stopped these flights?
The regulator found significant issues regarding airworthiness and flight safety procedures during their recent audit. The specific aircraft that have been grounded bear the registration numbers VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI. The audit revealed that the operator failed to meet essential safety standards required for flying.
During the investigation, another concerning detail emerged regarding the company’s history. It was found that the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had already suspended VSR Ventures’ operating license earlier. This was because the company did not respond to queries related to a previous incident that occurred in Mumbai in 2023. To ensure passenger safety, the DGCA exercised its powers under Rule 133A to halt these operations immediately.
What is the latest on the crash investigation?
The investigation into the accident that occurred on January 28, 2026, is moving forward with some new developments. The crash claimed the lives of five people, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is working to uncover the exact cause and is likely to submit a report by February 28.
- Black Box Update: The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was damaged due to intense heat during the crash. Authorities have sought help from Honeywell in the USA to recover this audio data. The Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) data has been successfully downloaded.
- Sabotage Angle: The family of Ajit Pawar, including his nephew Rohit Pawar, has raised suspicions of conspiracy and sabotage. Consequently, investigators are also looking into a potential criminal angle.
- Wider Safety Check: The DGCA has started auditing 14 other non-scheduled operators to prevent such incidents in the future. A new ‘Safety Ranking System’ will soon be launched for charter operators.
