Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak died alongside Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar in the Baramati plane crash; DGCA probe is underway.
Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak died alongside Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar [Photo: X]
A routine political trip turned into a tragedy on January 28, 2026, when the chartered plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. Among the dead was Captain Sahil Madan, the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, aviation officials confirmed.
The small Learjet 45 jet left Mumbai early in the morning and was attempting to land after about an hour in the air. The plane reportedly hit trouble close to the runway, leading to a crash landing that killed all 6 people on board, including the pilot and his co-pilot.
Captain Sumit Kapoor served as the Pilot‑in‑Command (PIC) on the ill‑fated flight. As the senior pilot, he led the flight crew and made decisions during critical phases of flight, including take‑off and landing.
Authorities confirmed he was on board with Ajit Pawar and other passengers when the Learjet 45XR (VT‑SSK) crashed near the runway. Kapoor’s extensive experience in flying business jets was noted by aviation sources, and VSR Aviation officials described the aircraft as safe and the crew as experienced.
Shambhavi Pathak was the First Officer (FO), supporting Captain Kapoor in controlling the aircraft. As the co‑pilot, she helped monitor flight instruments, communicate with air traffic control and take part in flight decisions.
Pathak’s presence on the flight highlights the growing number of Indian women pilots in corporate aviation. She had earned her qualifications and regularly flew with experienced crews on chartered missions.
According to a report by PTI, among the deceased was Sahil Madaan, identified as another crew member on board. Sahil Madaan’s exact role, whether flight deck support or cabin responsibility, was confirmed among the aircraft occupants.
According to DGCA, the five people onboard included:#AjitPawar, A PSO, An attendant
— Sumit Kumar📸 (@Photo_Sumit_) January 28, 2026
, Two crew members, including the pilot-in-command and first officer.
The flight was en route from Mumbai to Baramati ahead of political events linked to the upcoming local elections. pic.twitter.com/UVmbKH5AE6
While the passenger details list PSO and attendant roles separately, Sahil Madaan’s inclusion underscores that both flight operations and passenger service personnel perished in the crash.
The business jet, registered as VT‑SSK, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai early Wednesday. Ajit Pawar was heading to Baramati to attend several local election events when the accident occurred.
The aircraft was on its final approach to Baramati Airport at around 8:45 a.m. when it encountered trouble. Emergency workers rushed to the site, but officials later confirmed there were no survivors among the five people on board.
First visual footage from the crash site showed the aircraft wreckage engulfed in flames and debris scattered near the airstrip. Thick smoke rose from the mangled remains, and rescue teams were seen combing the area for evidence and signs of life.
Local eyewitnesses described the plane plummeting from the sky moments before impact, with some reporting that it fell just short of the runway. Officials have yet to release a final explanation for what went wrong during the landing attempt.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has started an investigation into the accident. The probe will review flight data, weather conditions, the aircraft’s mechanical status, and communications between the crew and air traffic control.
Authorities have not yet issued a cause for the crash, and initial reports are still preliminary. Aviation experts say a full investigation may take weeks to determine why the plane failed to complete a safe landing.
The crash shocked the state of Maharashtra and the nation. Leaders from multiple parties expressed grief over the deaths. Ajit Pawar was a key political figure in the state, and his sudden loss prompted statements from top politicians, including the Prime Minister and state officials.
Tributes also poured in for Captain Sahil Madan and the co‑pilot, as many noted the risks aviators take to keep flights safe, especially those carrying high‑profile passengers.
