New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended a one-time review of training records of fixed-wing pilots, particularly those working for non-scheduled and general aviation operators, following its investigation into a 2023 Learjet crash at Mumbai airport that injured all eight people on board.
In its final report on the September 14, 2023, accident involving a VSR Ventures Learjet 45XR, VT-DBL, the agency suggested that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) verify whether pilots complete all mandatory exercises during every simulator training session. The aircraft, operating a non-scheduled flight from Visakhapatnam, was destroyed while landing at Mumbai airport. A taxiway light was also damaged.
AAIB identified the flight crew's decision to continue an unstable approach in marginal weather and improper aircraft handling as the probable cause. These factors led to an aerodynamic stall at low altitude, from which the aircraft could not recover.
The report cited failures to monitor airspeed as a low-speed warning appeared and a delayed call for a go-around by the monitoring pilot as contributory factors. Poor visibility cues, strong tailwinds and pressure to land before an airport-imposed time restriction also played a role.
AAIB recommended that the DGCA consider including stall recovery in the landing configuration during simulator training. Pilots should practise recovering from a full stall or responding to stall warnings during climb, cruise, approach and landing, it said.
The regulator was also advised to direct operators to establish procedures ensuring pilots complete mandatory training, including emergency exercises, and that their records are periodically checked for discrepancies.
The report called on VSR Ventures to reinforce cockpit checklist discipline and ensure aircraft technical and airframe logbooks are maintained correctly.
AAIB further recommended stricter internal audits at non-scheduled and general aviation operators, with the DGCA assessing their effectiveness during inspections and surveillance. Operators should also ensure pilots follow established procedures and conduct a go-around whenever an approach is unstable.
Additionally, the agency advised the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to sensitise air traffic controllers to maintain prescribed aircraft separation to mitigate wake turbulence.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.