Crew Error, Unstabilised Approach Led to 2023 Mumbai Learjet Crash: AAIB Report
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has determined that crew error and an unstabilised approach under poor weather conditions caused the crash of a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR at Mumbai airport on September 14, 2023. The aircraft was operating a charter flight from Visakhapatnam with eight people on board, including two pilots, a flight attendant, and five passengers.
According to the AAIB's final report released on Saturday, the flight crew's failure to monitor airspeed, delayed go-around decision, and improper aircraft handling resulted in a low-altitude aerodynamic stall. Contributing factors included strong tailwinds, poor visibility, and the crew's determination to land before the airport's scheduled restricted operational hours began.
The AAIB has recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) review recurrent pilot training requirements, with emphasis on stall recovery during landing configuration. The bureau also urged a one-time audit of training records for fixed-wing pilots at non-scheduled and general aviation operators, and stricter enforcement of go-around procedures. The investigation was conducted in coordination with the US National Transportation Safety Board and the aircraft manufacturer.
