What began as a routine charter operation on Wednesday morning ended in tragedy, becoming the final assignment for Captain Shambhavi Pathak, a professionally trained First Officer with experience in pilot instruction and commercial aviation.
Captain Pathak was among the six people killed when a chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed shortly after attempting to land. The accident also claimed the life of Captain Sahil Madan, the pilot-in-command, along with other occupants on board.
According to a report by Outlook, as First Officer, Pathak played a key role in aircraft handling, navigation and communication with air traffic control. Aviation officials said both pilots were certified, experienced and well-versed in charter flying operations on similar aircraft.
According to details available on her LinkedIn profile, Pathak completed her schooling at Air Force Bal Bharati School between 2016 and 2018. She later moved to New Zealand to pursue professional flight training at the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy. Alongside her flying credentials, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics, Aviation and Aerospace Science and Technology from the University of Mumbai.
Pathak began her professional journey as an Assistant Flying Instructor at the Madhya Pradesh Flying Club. Holding a Flight Instructor Rating (A), she trained aspiring pilots and was regarded by colleagues for her discipline, precision and technical competence.
Her qualifications included a Commercial Pilot License issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in May 2020 and a Commercial Pilot License from the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand obtained in 2019. She also held a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) from the DGCA, as reported by Outlook.
In addition to her core certifications, Pathak completed Aviation Security (AVSEC) training with SpiceJet in March 2022 and Jet Orientation Training for the Airbus A320 at Jordan Airline Training and Simulation in February 2022.
She had also secured ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 6 certification in 2019. Before fully transitioning into charter operations, she spent several years instructing young aviators, a role aviation colleagues say reflected her strong commitment to the profession.
Following the crash, aviation authorities launched a detailed investigation into the incident, focusing on weather conditions, flight data and aircraft maintenance records. Preliminary information suggests the 16-year-old aircraft may have encountered poor visibility during its approach.
VSR Aviation’s senior official V K Singh said both pilots were based in Delhi and had logged substantial flying hours. According to him, there was no indication of a technical malfunction, as reported by Outlook.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment