The Learjet 45 aircraft that crashed in Baramati, resulting in the death of all five people on board, was well maintained and operated by a highly experienced pilot, according to V K Singh, owner of VSR Ventures. Singh stated that the pilot likely initiated a missed approach after being unable to clearly see the runway because of poor visibility, a standard safety procedure followed when landing conditions are not suitable.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said Captain Sumit Kapoor, who was piloting the aircraft, had logged nearly 16,000 flying hours and was regarded as an instructor and examiner-level pilot. He described Kapoor as extremely seasoned, with prior experience flying for Sahara Airlines, Jetlite, and Jet Airways, and with substantial familiarity operating the Learjet 45.
All five occupants of the aircraft lost their lives in the crash. Singh expressed deep personal grief, noting that co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, who also died in the incident, was like a daughter to him. Both pilots were based in Delhi, he added.
According to Singh, preliminary indications suggest that Captain Kapoor could not visually acquire the runway while approaching for landing. In such situations, pilots are trained to execute a missed approach, also known as a go-around, if they are not fully confident about completing a safe landing. A missed approach is a standardised manoeuvre performed during instrument landings when conditions such as low visibility prevent a safe touchdown.
Responding to questions about the safety of the remaining aircraft in the company’s fleet, Singh said there was no requirement to ground them, asserting that the Learjet 45 is a dependable aircraft and that the fleet remains in good condition. He also addressed a previous incident involving one of the company’s aircraft at Mumbai airport in 2023, stating that heavy rain and poor visibility had caused the aircraft to skid after landing.
VSR Ventures, through its aviation arm VSR Aviation, operates private aircraft primarily for corporate travellers and clients requiring access to destinations not served by commercial airlines. As per a statement from the Civil Aviation Ministry, VSR Ventures is a Non-Scheduled Operator holding Permit No 07/2014. The company’s fleet includes seven Learjet 45 aircraft, five Embraer 135BJ aircraft, four King Air B200 aircraft, and one Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and authorities are expected to analyse flight data and weather conditions to establish the precise sequence of events leading up to the accident.
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