Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning when a chartered aircraft carrying him from Mumbai to Baramati crashed shortly before landing, officials confirmed. The accident claimed the lives of five people on board, including two pilots, a flight attendant and Pawar’s personal security officer.
The aircraft, a Learjet 45 operated by Delhi-based non-scheduled air transport operator VSR Ventures, went down in a hilly area near Baramati around 35 minutes after take-off. Flight tracking data showed the jet lost contact approximately 20 kilometres from Baramati airport, where it was scheduled to land.
Among the victims was First Officer Shambhavi Pathak, a trained commercial pilot with experience as a flying instructor. She was serving as co-pilot on the flight. The aircraft was being commanded by Captain Sumit Kapur.
Victims Identified
Apart from Ajit Pawar, those who lost their lives in the crash include:
Pilot Sumit Kapur
First Officer Shambhavi Pathak
A flight attendant
Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav
About First Officer Shambhavi Pathak
Shambhavi Pathak completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School before undergoing commercial pilot training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics, Aviation and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai.
Pathak also worked as an Assistant Flying Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club and held a Flight Instructor Rating (A). She was licensed by both India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, and had completed multiple aviation safety and jet orientation certifications.
Purpose of the Flight
Ajit Pawar was travelling to Baramati to attend a series of political meetings ahead of the upcoming local body elections scheduled for next month.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Further details are expected after examination of flight data and wreckage.
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