How IAF Responded Post Learjet 45 crash in Pune
On an urgent request from the Government of Maharashtra, the Indian Air Force swiftly deployed a team of Air Traffic Control personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport.
The team promptly established emergency Air Traffic Control services, including communication and other emergency facilities in coordination with local administration, to support safe and efficient air traffic management: IAF officials quoted to media.
A Bombardier Learjet 45 (Registration: VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. during its second landing attempt, the aircraft reportedly lost contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), struck the runway threshold, and immediately burst into flames. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions.
Captain Shambhavi Pathak a young commercial pilot, died as co-pilot of a Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati while carrying Deputy CM of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar. The crash occurred at approximately 8:45 AM at Baramati Airport in Pune district.
With 05 Casualties reported all five people on board were killed including Ajit Pawar (Deputy CM of Maharashtra), Vidip Jadhav (Personal Security Officer), Pinky Mali (Flight Attendant), Captain Sumit Kapur (Pilot-in-Command, with over 16,000 flying hours) and Shambhavi Pathak (First Officer/Co-pilot).
