What began as a routine charter operation on Wednesday morning ended in tragedy, claiming the life of NZ-trained pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak. The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft attempted to land, killing all six people on board, including Captain Pathak and pilot-in-command Captain Sahil Madan.Captain Shambhavi Pathak was serving as the First Officer on the chartered flight, which was carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at the time of the accident.

According to reports by Outlook, Pathak played a critical role in aircraft handling, navigation, and communication with air traffic control. Aviation officials confirmed that both pilots were experienced, fully certified, and familiar with charter operations involving similar aircraft.Educated at Air Force Bal Bharati School between 2016 and 2018, Pathak went on to pursue professional flight training in New Zealand at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. Alongside her aviation training, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics, Aviation and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai, reflecting a strong academic and technical foundation.Her professional career began as an Assistant Flying Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, where she trained aspiring pilots and earned respect for her discipline, precision, and commitment to safety. Pathak held multiple high-level qualifications, including a Commercial Pilot License from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued in 2020, a New Zealand Commercial Pilot License obtained in 2019, and a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) from the DGCA.She also completed Aviation Security training with SpiceJet and Jet Orientation Training for the Airbus A320, along with ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 6 certification. Colleagues remember her as a dedicated professional deeply committed to aviation education and excellence.Following the crash, aviation authorities have launched a detailed investigation, examining weather conditions, flight data, and aircraft maintenance records. Preliminary information suggests poor visibility during the aircraft’s approach, though officials have stated there is no immediate indication of technical failure.Captain Shambhavi Pathak’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the aviation community, with tributes pouring in for a promising pilot whose career was marked by skill, discipline, and passion.