Learjet 45: Ajit Pawar's Fatal Crash Sparks Safety Concerns After 40 Accidents

• Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a Learjet 45 crash, drawing attention to the aircraft model and operator ASR Aviation.
• The Learjet 45, registration VT-SSK, belonged to Delhi-based ASR Aviation; Bombardier Aerospace manufactured approximately 640 units between 1995-2012.
• Despite VSR Aviation's claims of the aircraft being "100 percent safe," the Learjet 45 has a history of over 40 accidents, including a 2023 Mumbai runway skid and the 2008 death of Mexico's Home Minister.
• Officials attribute the Baramati crash to poor visibility, pending DGCA investigation, while past incidents involved bird strikes and turbulence.
• The Learjet 45, known for its speed and short runway capability, typically seats 8, flies with two pilots, and has a range of 3,000 km.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's death in a Learjet 45 crash highlights the aircraft's controversial safety record and prompts a full investigation.