DGCA Takes Action After Safety Audit
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has ordered the immediate grounding of four Learjet 40/45 aircraft operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. The decision, announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, comes after a special safety audit revealed significant compliance lapses within the Delhi-based private aviation firm.
The audit was initiated following the fatal crash of a VSR Ventures Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) on January 28, 2026, near Baramati, Maharashtra. The accident claimed the lives of five individuals, including then-Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Identified Lapses and Grounded Fleet
A multi-disciplinary audit team conducted a thorough review of VSR Ventures' operations between February 4 and February 16, 2026. The team observed 'several non-compliances of approved procedures in the organisation in the area of airworthiness, air safety, and flight operations,' according to a DGCA statement. These included 'gaps in maintenance procedures and documentation.'
The four aircraft that have been grounded are Learjet 40/45 models with registrations:
- VT-VRA
- VT-VRS
- VT-VRV
- VT-TRI
Company Profile and Future Actions
VSR Ventures, owned by Vijay Kumar Singh with Rohit Singh as a key director, provides private jet, charter flight, and medical evacuation services across India. At the time of the fatal crash, the company reportedly had a fleet of 17 aircraft, with eight being Learjets.
The DGCA has issued deficiency reporting forms to VSR Ventures, mandating the submission of a detailed root cause analysis for the identified non-compliances. These submissions will be assessed by the watchdog before any further course of action is determined.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This grounding highlights increased scrutiny on charter and non-scheduled operators in India, with the DGCA reportedly conducting phase-wise safety audits across the industry. Notably, another Learjet 45 belonging to VSR Ventures had a crash-landing incident at Mumbai airport in 2023, the investigation into which is still ongoing.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report on the January 28 Baramati crash by February 28, 2026, which may offer further insights into the incident.
5 Comments
Mariposa
This airline offers vital services; what about the impact?
Bermudez
This action sends a strong message about aviation safety, which is crucial for public trust. However, the article highlights VSR Ventures offers critical medical evacuation services, and their reduced capacity could indirectly affect those in need.
Comandante
While grounding the aircraft is a necessary step for public safety, one has to wonder if this scrutiny extends to all charter operators or if VSR Ventures is just being made an example of. The broader industry needs a thorough review.
KittyKat
Right decision. No compromise when lives are at stake.
BuggaBoom
It's good to see the DGCA taking firm action to ensure safety after such a tragic incident. However, this raises questions about how these lapses went unnoticed for so long before the crash.