What is the story about?
Baramati Plane Crash: The fatal plane crash near Baramati airport on Wednesday that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also
killed two experienced aviation professionals - Captain Sumit Kapur, the Pilot-in-Command, and Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, the aircraft operator VSR Aviation confirmed. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport. All five people on board - Ajit Pawar, two members of his personal staff, and the two pilots, died in the accident.
Captain Sumit Kapur: Pilot-in-Command
Captain Sumit Kapur was the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the ill-fated flight. As the senior-most crew member, he was responsible for all key flight decisions, including approach, landing and emergency response, aviation officials said.
Also Read: CCTV Captures Exact Moment of Baramati Plane Crash, Massive Explosion After Impact
Sources in the charter aviation sector said Kapur had significant experience flying business jets and was considered a seasoned professional. “He had extensive operational experience and was well regarded within the charter aviation industry,” an aviation source told news agencies.
Who Was Shambhavi Pathak?
Shambhavi Pathak, the co-pilot, was a trained commercial aviator with a strong academic and instructional background in aviation.
According to details available on her LinkedIn profile, Pathak studied at Air Force Bal Bharati School, completing her secondary education between 2016 and 2018. She later underwent commercial pilot and flight crew training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics, Aviation and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai. During her professional career, Pathak also served as an Assistant Flying Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, holding a Flight Instructor Rating (A).
Pathak was issued a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), officials confirmed.
Aircraft and Investigation
VSR Aviation officials described the aircraft as “100 per cent airworthy” and said both pilots were “fairly experienced.”
The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation into the crash, focusing on weather conditions, visibility, flight operations and technical data, officials said.
