Who was Shambhavi Pathak? Young pilot who died alongside Ajit Pawar in plane crash

The tragic plane crash in Maharashtra’s Baramati that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has also taken away a promising young aviator, Captain Shambhavi Pathak, leaving the nation’s aviation fraternity and her loved ones in deep mourning.

Captain Shambhavi Pathak was serving as the First Officer (co-pilot) on the Bombardier Learjet 45 that went down while attempting to land. Barely in her late twenties, she was widely regarded as a disciplined professional with a bright future ahead in civil aviation.

Early Life

A brilliant student from an early age, Shambhavi completed her schooling at the Air Force Bal Bharati School in Delhi, an institution known for nurturing academic excellence and strong values. She later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics, Aviation, and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai, reflecting her early determination to build a career in flying.

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Her professional pilot training was completed at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy, where she earned her Commercial Pilot Licence. She held DGCA-issued CPL credentials in India as well as New Zealand, along with additional certifications, including assistant flying instructor training.

Captain Pathak was employed with VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi-based charter aviation company, and had been actively flying since 2022. Colleagues describe her as calm in the cockpit, meticulous in procedures, and deeply passionate about aviation.

A Loving Daughter, A Caring Sibling

Beyond her professional achievements, tributes pouring in from friends and acquaintances paint a picture of a loving daughter, a caring sibling, and a loyal friend. Her sudden passing has left a void not only in her family but also among young pilots who saw her as an inspiration.

As investigations into the crash continue, the loss of Captain Shambhavi Pathak stands as a painful reminder of the human lives behind aviation headlines — dreams cut short, and a future that promised much more.