A somber shadow has fallen over Maharashtra and the nation following the devastating news of the Ajit Pawar plane crash. On the morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, a chartered Learjet 45XR, registration VT-SSK, crash-landed at Baramati airport, claiming the lives of all five people on board [[13]]. Among them was the influential six-time Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, a central figure in the state’s complex political landscape [[22]].
The aircraft, operated by VSR Aviation, lost control during its landing attempt, struck the runway, and immediately caught fire [[17]]. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed there were no survivors, and a full-scale investigation is now underway to determine the precise cause of this catastrophic event [[14]]. Weather conditions at the time of the crash were reported as good, adding to the mystery surrounding the accident [[17]].
Table of Contents
- The Victims of the Tragedy
- Who Were the Pilots in the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash?
- About the Aircraft: Learjet 45XR
- Ajit Pawar’s Legacy in Maharashtra Politics
- The Ongoing Investigation
- Conclusion: A State in Mourning
- Sources
The Victims of the Tragedy
The crash claimed five lives in total. Alongside Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the other victims were his personal staff members Vidip Jadhav and Pinky Mali, and the two crew members who were at the controls of the ill-fated flight [[3]]. The loss of these individuals has sent shockwaves through their families, colleagues, and the wider community.
Who Were the Pilots in the Ajit Pawar Plane Crash?
The two highly skilled aviators at the helm of the Learjet 45XR have been identified as Captain Sumit Kapur and Co-Pilot Shambhavi Pathak [[1]]. Their deaths are a significant loss to the aviation community.
- Captain Sumit Kapur: The Pilot-in-Command, Capt. Kapur, was a veteran aviator with an impressive 16,500 hours of flying experience [[2]]. His extensive background and expertise made him a trusted captain for such charter flights.
- Co-Pilot Shambhavi Pathak: Serving as the First Officer, Shambhavi Pathak was a rising talent in the field of aviation. Her presence in the cockpit highlights the growing role of women in India’s commercial and private aviation sectors [[8]].
Their professionalism and dedication were paramount, and their tragic end underscores the inherent risks that come with air travel, even for the most experienced crews.
About the Aircraft: Learjet 45XR
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45XR, a popular model for private and corporate charters known for its speed and efficiency [[13]]. This particular jet, owned by VSR Aviation, had a history that is now under scrutiny. Reports indicate that the same operator and possibly the same aircraft type were involved in another incident three years prior, which is now a key focus of the investigative authorities [[14]]. The plane had departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai before its final, fateful approach to Baramati [[10]].
Ajit Pawar’s Legacy in Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar, often referred to as the ‘Dada’ of Maharashtra politics, was a dominant force for decades [[27]]. His career, built from the grassroots of the cooperative sector, saw him navigate numerous political storms, including a dramatic split from his uncle, NCP founder Sharad Pawar, in July 2023 [[22]]. He was a key architect of the current ruling coalition in Maharashtra and his sudden demise creates a massive power vacuum in the state’s political machinery [[19]]. His influence extended far beyond his official title, making him one of the most consequential figures in modern Marathi politics [[21]].
The Ongoing Investigation
The DGCA has launched a comprehensive probe into the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s black box (flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder), maintenance logs, and air traffic control communications to piece together the sequence of events that led to the loss of control during landing [[14]]. While initial reports suggest favorable weather, the possibility of mechanical failure, pilot error, or other technical issues remains on the table. The findings of this investigation will be crucial for providing closure to the families and for ensuring the safety of future flights.
Conclusion: A State in Mourning
The Ajit Pawar plane crash is a national tragedy that has cut short the life of a major political leader and four other individuals, including two dedicated pilots. As Maharashtra and the nation mourn, the focus now shifts to the meticulous work of the investigators who must uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking accident. The legacies of all five victims, from the powerful Deputy CM to the skilled aviators in the cockpit, will be remembered in the days and weeks to come.
Sources
- [[1]] The Hindu: “Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, four others killed after plane crash in Baramati”
- [[2]] Times of India: “Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Who were the pilots in Maharashtra deputy CM’s last flight?”
- [[3]] Moneycontrol: “Ajit Pawar plane crash: All about the Learjet 45 and victims on board”
- [[8]] Sunday Guardian: “Who was Sumit Kapoor & Shambhavi Pathak? Pilot-in-Command, Co-Pilot who died with Ajit Pawar in Baramati plane crash”
- [[10]] Wikipedia: “2026 Baramati Learjet 45 crash”
- [[13]] The Hindu: “Bombardier Learjet 45: The aircraft that crashed with Ajit Pawar”
- [[14]] Republic World: “Same Operator, Same Plane, Two Learjet 45XR Crashes In Three Years”
- [[17]] Xinhua News: “Aircraft crash kills India’s Maharashtra deputy chief minister”
- [[19]] Jagran Josh: “Ajit Pawar Biography: Education, Political Career, Age and more”
- [[21]] Wikipedia: “Ajit Pawar”
- [[22]] CNBC TV18: “Who was Ajit Pawar? His party, family, political journey…”
- [[27]] NDTV: “Ajit Pawar, The No-Nonsense ‘Dada’ Of Maharashtra Politics”