Baramati, Maharashtra | January 28, 2026
The tragic plane crash near Baramati that claimed the life of senior political leader Ajit Pawar has shaken the nation. Yet, beyond the political loss, the incident also took away a young, dedicated aviation professional whose story deserves equal recognition Pilot Shambhavi Pathak, one of the five individuals who lost their lives in the fatal accident.
The Learjet 45 aircraft, flying from Mumbai to Baramati, crashed during its landing approach under challenging conditions. All five people onboard Ajit Pawar, Pilot-in-Command Captain Sumit Kapur, First Officer Shambhavi Pathak, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, and security officer Vidip Jadhav died on impact. There were no survivors.
While mainstream coverage has largely focused on the political implications of Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise, members of the aviation community and civil society have urged that the spotlight also fall on the professionals who were at the controls of the aircraft, performing their duty until the very last moment.
Shambhavi Pathak, a DGCA-certified First Officer, represented a new generation of Indian pilots disciplined, highly trained, and deeply committed to aviation safety. Colleagues describe her as calm under pressure, technically sound, and passionate about flying. Her journey stood as an inspiration to countless young women aspiring to enter India’s demanding civil aviation sector.
At a time when women pilots continue to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, her loss is not just personal, but symbolic a reminder of the silent responsibility carried by aviation professionals whose contributions often remain unseen until tragedy strikes.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other relevant authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash, examining weather conditions, technical data, and operational aspects to establish accountability and prevent future incidents.
As the nation mourns Ajit Pawar, it is equally important to remember Pilot Shambhavi Pathak not merely as a name in the casualty list, but as a skilled professional who served with courage, discipline, and dignity until her final flight.
The country extends its deepest condolences to the families of Shambhavi Pathak and all others who lost their lives in this heartbreaking tragedy.
