DGCA grounds four aircraft of VSR Ventures, a month after Ajit Pawar’s death in crash

DGCA grounds four VSR Ventures aircraft after Ajit Pawar's crash, implementing new safety measures for charter operators.

Nearly a month after the death of then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded four aircraft operated by the same charter company that was flying him.

The regulator also announced a slew of measures for charter companies across the country, following “a recent surge” in incidents to ensure tighter oversight, after a high-level meeting on Tuesday with several charter operators.

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“The multi-disciplinary audit team observed several non-compliances of approved procedures in the organisation in the area of airworthiness, air safety and flight operations,” said a press statement issued by the DGCA about VSR Ventures Pvt Limited. As a result, four aircraft were being “immediately grounded” till the company meets the prescribed airworthiness standards. All aircraft grounded are either Learjet 40 or Learjet 45.

VSR Ventures has 17 aircraft registered under its name, according to the DGCA’s website.

Ajit Pawar and four others onboard a Learjet 45 died when it crashed in Baramati on January 28. Subsequently, the DGCA undertook a special audit of VSR, as well as a broader industry-wide audits. A preliminary probe report is expected within 30 days of the accident.