The Learjet 45 aircraft, owned by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati for an election rally when it crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport. The accident occurred at around 8:45 pm, triggering a fire that left the aircraft completely destroyed. Ajit Pawar, 66, died in the crash along with Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali and a security guard.
Reports indicate that Captain Kapoor, 62, received instructions just hours before departure to operate the flight. Known among colleagues for his discipline and professionalism, he reportedly agreed without hesitation. The aircraft had taken off at around 8 am, and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation by authorities.
Due to the intensity of the fire, the bodies were severely charred, complicating the identification process. According to media reports, Captain Kapoor’s body was eventually identified through a bracelet he was wearing at the time of the crash.
Captain Kapoor’s last rites were performed on Thursday at Punjabi Bagh in Delhi. Friends and colleagues described him as one of the most experienced pilots in the industry, with nearly 20,000 hours of flying experience. Several aviation professionals have said that pilot error appears unlikely, citing his extensive background and technical expertise.
Kapoor began his aviation career in the 1990s with Sahara Airlines before moving to Jet Airways, where he later became a Boeing 737 examiner—a role entrusted to only the most skilled and trusted pilots. Over the past five years, he had been working with VSR Aviation. Family members said he had returned from Hong Kong just days before the accident.
Born into a family with roots in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Kapoor had lived in Delhi for nearly four decades. He is survived by his wife, elderly father, son Shiva and daughter Sanya. His son and son-in-law are also pilots. The family was preparing to move into a new home, and wedding preparations were underway, with his son’s marriage scheduled for February.
Investigating agencies are continuing to examine flight data, weather conditions and technical factors to determine the exact cause of the crash. The Maharashtra government has ordered a CID inquiry, while aviation authorities are conducting a parallel probe.
