Who was Captain Shambhavi Pathak? Life and Career of the Young Pilot Who Died in Ajit Pawar’s Baramati Plane Crash
The Indian aviation community is in mourning following the tragic aircraft crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026, which claimed the lives of five individuals, including Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Among the victims was Captain Shambhavi Pathak, a young and dynamic aviator serving as the First Officer of the ill-fated Learjet 45XR.
At just the dawn of a promising career, Shambhavi Pathak was regarded as an inspiration for aspiring female pilots in India. Her journey from the classrooms of Delhi to the cockpits of executive jets is a testament to grit, discipline, and a lifelong passion for the skies.
The Tragic Incident at Baramati Airport
On Wednesday morning, the VSR Ventures-operated charter flight (VT-SSK) took off from Mumbai at 08:10 AM. Captain Shambhavi Pathak was assisting the highly experienced Pilot-in-Command, Captain Sumit Kapur. As the aircraft approached Baramati Airport for landing around 08:45 AM, it encountered challenging conditions.
According to preliminary reports from the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the aircraft made an initial unsuccessful landing attempt due to poor visibility. During the second approach to Runway 11, the Learjet 45XR became unstable in its final moments, crashing 100 feet short of the runway and erupting into flames. There were no survivors.
Shambhavi Pathak Biography: A Legacy Rooted in Discipline
Born into a family with a strong tradition of service, Shambhavi Pathak was the daughter of an Indian Army officer. Originally hailing from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, her family later moved to New Delhi, where she spent her formative years.
Those who knew her closely describe Shambhavi as a “born flyer.” Growing up in an environment where discipline was paramount, she channeled her energy into academic excellence and her singular dream: becoming a commercial pilot.
Educational Excellence: From AFBBS to Mumbai University
Shambhavi’s academic foundation was laid at the prestigious Air Force Bal Bharati School (AFBBS) in New Delhi. She was a student there from 2016 to 2018, where she was known for her leadership qualities and interest in science.
Following her schooling, she pursued higher education that would directly support her aviation goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Aeronautics, Aviation, and Aerospace Science & Technology from the University of Mumbai, graduating with the Batch of 2022. This technical background gave her a deep understanding of the mechanics and physics of flight, setting her apart in the competitive aviation field.
Commercial Pilot Training and International Exposure
To gain world-class flying experience, Shambhavi moved to New Zealand to join the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA). Between 2018 and 2019, she underwent rigorous flight training, mastering various aircraft types and navigating complex weather patterns, skills that earned her a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) recognized by both the New Zealand CAA and India’s DGCA.
Her dedication didn’t stop at the cockpit. She successfully cleared the high-level theoretical examinations for her Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), achieving what is known as a “Frozen ATPL”, the highest level of aircraft pilot certification.
Professional Career: From Instructor to First Officer
Before joining VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd. as a First Officer, Shambhavi Pathak contributed to the aviation ecosystem as an Assistant Flying Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club. Her role involved mentoring new cadets, where her patience and technical precision were widely lauded.
By the time of the Baramati tragedy, she had logged approximately 1,500 flying hours. In March 2022, she was issued an Aviation Security license from SpiceJet, and by February 2022, she had completed specialized Jet Orientation Training for the Airbus A320, one of the world’s most popular commercial airliners.
A Growing Icon for Young Female Pilots in India
Shambhavi Pathak was part of a growing movement of Indian women breaking the glass ceiling in the aviation sector. India currently boasts one of the highest percentages of female pilots in the world, and Shambhavi was a shining example of this trend.
Her social media profiles, now filled with tributes, show a vibrant young woman who loved her job. Friends from her school days at Air Force Bal Bharati School remember her as a “loyal friend and a brilliant student.” One of her childhood friends shared on X (formerly Twitter), “She was a brilliant student, a great daughter, and a very loving sibling. This is a personal loss for all who knew her since KG class.”
The Investigation: Seeking Answers for VT-SSK
As the nation mourns, the AAIB is focusing on the final moments of the flight. Questions remain regarding the visibility conditions and the technical health of the 16-year-old Learjet 45XR. VSR Ventures has maintained that the aircraft was fit for flight, but investigators are looking into why the second landing attempt turned fatal.
For the family of Captain Shambhavi Pathak, the tragedy is an immeasurable loss. A young life dedicated to the service of others and the mastery of the skies has been cut short, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration for every young girl in India who dreams of wearing the pilot’s wings.
