Baramati Plane Crash: Who Were the Five People Killed in the Tragic Accident?

A chartered aircraft crash during landing at Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday has resulted in the deaths of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on board. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state and raised urgent questions about flight safety, especially during landing operations at smaller airports.

What happened during the Baramati landing?

According to preliminary information, the chartered jet was attempting to land at Baramati airport when it crashed during the final phase of descent. The impact led to a fire, leaving little scope for rescue. Emergency response teams reached the site quickly, but the aircraft was severely damaged, and all five occupants were declared dead at the scene.

Aviation authorities have since initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash, including technical factors, weather conditions, and operational aspects related to the landing.

Who were the people on board?

Apart from the Deputy Chief Minister, the aircraft was carrying two pilots and two support staff who were part of the flight crew and Ajit Pawar’s close protection team. Each individual played a critical role in the operation and security of the flight.

Who was Captain Sumit Kapoor?

Captain Sumit Kapoor, the Pilot-in-Command of the chartered aircraft, was a highly experienced aviator based in Delhi. With over 16,000 flight hours, he was widely regarded as a seasoned professional, particularly in business jet and chartered flight operations. Sources within the aviation community described him as someone with deep technical expertise and strong command over private aircraft handling.

Who was Captain Shambhavi Pathak?

Captain Shambhavi Pathak served as the co-pilot or First Officer on the flight. She was known in aviation circles as a disciplined and capable pilot. The daughter of an Army officer, her upbringing reflected in her professional conduct and approach to flying. Colleagues remembered her as meticulous, composed, and deeply committed to aviation safety.

Who was Vidip Jadhav?

Vidip Jadhav was Ajit Pawar’s Personal Security Officer and a serving Head Constable with the Mumbai Police. As part of the Deputy Chief Minister’s close-protection detail, he regularly accompanied Pawar during official travel. His responsibilities included coordinating personal security arrangements and ensuring safe movement during public and private engagements.

Who was Pinky Mali?

Pinky Mali was the flight attendant on board the aircraft. As part of the charter crew, she was responsible for cabin management and in-flight passenger support. Her role included ensuring safety protocols inside the cabin and assisting passengers during the journey.

What happens next?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the crash. This will involve examining flight data, pilot communication records, aircraft maintenance history, and airport infrastructure at Baramati.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with chartered flights and the critical importance of safety oversight, particularly during take-off and landing phases, which are statistically the most vulnerable moments of any flight.

As Maharashtra mourns the loss of a senior political leader and four professionals who were carrying out their duties, the focus now shifts to accountability, safety lessons, and preventing similar tragedies in the future.