The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
2023 Mumbai jet crash: Probe flags pilot error, unstabilised approach, training gaps
AAIB found that the crew continued an unstabilised approach before the VSR Learjet crashed at Mumbai airport. The findings prompted ten recommendations covering pilot training, operating procedures, maintenance records and regulatory oversight.
A final report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concludes that an unstabilised approach and inappropriate handling by the flight crew led to the crash landing of a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR at Mumbai airport in September 2023. The aircraft was on a non-scheduled passenger flight from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai, registration VT-DBL, with eight occupants on board.
The approach to Runway 27 at Mumbai occurred in heavy rainfall with reduced visibility. The AAIB notes the aircraft was not stabilised during the approach, deviating first to the left and then drifting to the right, before the autopilot was disconnected and alarms triggered. The crash occurred near the intersection of Taxiways W and N, with the aircraft skidding into an unpaved area and catching fire.
The probable cause cited by the AAIB is the flight crew’s decision to continue the unstabilised approach in marginal weather, coupled with inappropriate handling of the aircraft. This combination led to an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, from which the aircraft did not recover. Additional contributing factors include failure to monitor airspeed against a rising low-speed cue, a delay in calling for a go-around, marginal weather reducing visual cues, and a high tailwind component.
The investigation identifies ten recommendations addressing flight crew procedures, maintenance documentation, air traffic control practices, and pilot training. VSR Ventures is advised to reinforce challenge-and-response checklists, ensure aircraft systems follow SOPs, and maintain accurate technical logs and airframe records. The Airports Authority of India is urged to sensitise air traffic controllers on maintaining separation to mitigate wake turbulence.
The DGCA is asked to verify operator manuals against regulations and review recurrent pilot-training requirements, with a focus on simulator training for recovery from stalls and stall-warning activations across climb, cruise, approach and landing configurations. A one-time review of training records for fixed-wing pilots, particularly with non-scheduled and general aviation operators, is recommended to confirm completion of mandatory simulator exercises.
The report also notes a previous incident involving a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures, registered VT-SSK, which crashed at Baramati in January 2026. The AAIB’s final Mumbai report centers on flight crew decisions, procedures, training, and regulatory oversight, and outlines measures to strengthen aviation safety.