The Young Co-Pilot Lost in the Baramati Plane Crash
The plane crash at Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026, has left the whole nation in shock. Although the plane crash resulted in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, it also highlighted the lives of the aviation personnel who were on board the plane, especially Captain Shambhavi Pathak, the young First Officer who was flying the plane that morning.
Apart from the political turmoil that the plane crash has caused, it is also a sad reminder of the dangers that pilots and aviation personnel face every day as they go about their duties without any fanfare.
What Happened at Baramati Airport?
The plane that crashed was a Bombardier Learjet 45 (VT-SSK), which was flying for VSR Aviation, a charter airline based in Delhi. The plane took off from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 8:10 AM and was due to land at Baramati Airport shortly after.
According to initial reports, the plane made two attempts at landing. In the second attempt, it reportedly went off the runway, crashed before the threshold, and erupted into flames after a series of explosions. This happened around 8:45 AM IST.
It is also important to note that there was no Mayday or distress call from the cockpit before the crash. All five people on board were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
Victims of the Crash
The tragic incident claimed the lives of:
- Ajit Pawar (66): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader
- Captain Sumit Kapoor: Pilot-in-Command
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak: First Officer (Co-Pilot)
- Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- Pinky Mali: Flight Attendant
While the loss of a senior political leader has dominated headlines, the stories of the crew members, especially Captain Shambhavi Pathak, deserve equal attention and respect.
Who Was Captain Shambhavi Pathak?
Captain Shambhavi Pathak was a young and accomplished commercial pilot with a bright future ahead of her. She was the First Officer (Co-Pilot) of the ill-fated plane.
She came from a family of an Indian Army officer, and this upbringing is believed to have instilled discipline, professionalism, and a sense of responsibility in her.
Education and Aviation Training
Shambhavi’s entry into the aviation sector was characterised by her dedication and academic success:
- She finished her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School in 2018. This school is famous for its disciplined atmosphere and emphasis on excellence.
- She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the University of Mumbai in 2022.
- To fulfil her passion for becoming a pilot, she underwent training from the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, obtaining her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in accordance with the requirements of both the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and the DGCA of India.
Her training abroad and certification under dual regulatory systems reflected her strong technical foundation and commitment to global aviation standards.
Professional Experience
Before joining the charter aviation sector, Captain Pathak was an Assistant Flight Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club. She also had a Flight Instructor Rating, which is a strong indication of her flying abilities and theoretical knowledge.
Colleagues and instructors reportedly admired her for being focused, disciplined, and technically sound qualities essential for a professional pilot, especially in high-pressure situations like charter operations.
At the time of the accident, she was flying with VSR Aviation, flying business jets and VIP charters.
About the Other Crew Members
- Captain Sumit Kapoor, the Pilot-in-Command, was a highly experienced aviator with over 16,000 flight hours, primarily in business jet operations. Based in Delhi, he was considered a seasoned professional, and aviation was part of his family legacy; his son is also a pilot.
- Pinky Mali, the flight attendant, was responsible for cabin safety and passenger service during the short flight.
- Vidip Jadhav, a Mumbai Police Head Constable, was serving as Ajit Pawar’s Personal Security Officer and was part of the security detail accompanying him to Baramati.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive probe in conjunction with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Experts are scrutinising:
- Wreckage and impact marks
- Flight data and cockpit voice recordings
- Eyewitness accounts
- Weather and visibility conditions
Though some reports suggested the possibility of fog or visibility problems, other reports indicated that the weather was quite clear. At this point, the authorities have asked the public and the media to resist speculating until official findings are released.
VSR Aviation has confirmed that the plane was in flying condition and that the pilots were fully trained and qualified. This incident is alarming, as it is the second incident involving a VSR Aviation plane, following a non-fatal crash-landing in Mumbai in September 2023.
National Mourning and Reactions
The Maharashtra government declared three days of state mourning (January 28-30). Flying flags at half mast, closing government offices and schools on the day of the tragedy, and postponing all government entertainment programs were also ordered.
Condolences poured in from all quarters:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident a major loss to public service.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Ajit Pawar’s contributions to society.
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the tragedy as “extremely heartbreaking.”
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis termed it a personal loss.
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation.
A Tragedy Beyond Headlines
Although the political repercussions of the crash are enormous, the loss of young aviation professionals such as Captain Shambhavi Pathak is also tragic. It took her many years of toil and ambition to go from being a student of an Air Force school to becoming a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor.
The Baramati crash stands as one of Maharashtra’s most severe aviation tragedies in recent memory and raises serious questions about charter flight safety, operational oversight, and emergency preparedness.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns not just a leader, but also the skilled professionals who lost their lives while doing their duty.
Their stories deserve to be remembered with respect, clarity, and compassion.
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