Overview
- The AAIB concluded the Learjet 45XR (VT-DBL) crashed after the crew continued an unstabilised approach on September 14, 2023, and improper handling caused an aerodynamic stall at low altitude from which the aircraft did not recover.
- Investigators found the monitoring pilot delayed a go-around call and the crew failed to monitor airspeed against a rising low-speed cue, both breaches of standard operating procedure that directly contributed to the loss of control.
- The report cited marginal weather, reduced visual cues, a significant tailwind component and pressure to land before an airport time restriction as additional factors that increased the risk during the approach.
- AAIB recommended that the DGCA carry out a one-time review of fixed-wing pilots’ simulator training records for non-scheduled and general aviation operators and require recurrent simulator exercises that include stall recovery in landing configuration.
- The bureau flagged lapses at operator VSR Ventures in pilot training, logbook maintenance and internal audits, urged procedural fixes and stronger crew-resource training, recommended AAI enforce separation to cut wake-turbulence risk, and noted regulator follow-up by DGCA and AAI is still pending.