Baramati, Maharashtra: India witnessed a tragic aviation disaster on Wednesday morning when a private charter aircraft carrying senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar crashed during a landing attempt near Baramati airstrip. Among the five people who lost their lives was Captain Sahil Madaan, the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of the ill-fated Learjet 45.
The incident has sent shockwaves through political and aviation circles, raising serious questions about flight safety, aircraft maintenance, and charter operations.
Details of the Plane Crash
The Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 8:11 AM. According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft was scheduled to land at Baramati after a short charter flight.
However, around 8:45 AM, while attempting to land just minutes from its destination, the aircraft crash-landed near the Baramati airstrip. The aircraft bore the registration number VT-SSK and reportedly weighed around 9,752 kilograms at the time of the incident.
Victims of the Tragedy
Along with Ajit Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of four others:
- Captain Sahil Madaan – Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- Shambhavi Pathak – First Officer (FO)
- Sumit Kapoor – Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- Pinki Mali – Flight attendant
All five occupants died on the spot, officials confirmed.
Who Was Captain Sahil Madaan?
Captain Sahil Madaan was regarded as a highly experienced and respected pilot in India’s charter aviation sector. With a career spanning nearly 16 years, he had accumulated extensive flying experience across multiple aircraft types and operators.
A Distinguished Aviation Career
According to professional records and industry sources:
- Sahil Madaan began his aviation career in 2010 with Air Charter Services Pvt Ltd, flying Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
- He served there for over five years, gaining critical experience in charter operations.
- In 2015, he joined VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, where he flew for nearly four years.
- He later moved to WinFly Aviation Pvt Ltd, serving as a Chief Pilot, a role that reflected his technical expertise and leadership skills.
- In 2021, he returned to VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd.
- Between 2022 and 2024, he worked with VSR Corporation Pvt Ltd.
- In 2024, he began flying the Learjet 45 as a Captain.
Colleagues describe him as disciplined, calm under pressure, and deeply committed to aviation safety.
What Went Wrong During Landing?
Despite Captain Madaan’s extensive experience, something went critically wrong during the landing phase. Aviation experts note that landing is one of the most complex and risk-sensitive stages of flight, especially on smaller airstrips.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the crash was caused by:
- Technical failure
- Weather-related issues
- Runway conditions
- Human or operational factors
A detailed investigation is currently underway.
Questions Raised Over Aircraft Operator
Following the crash, Shiv Sena leader Raju Waghmare raised concerns about the aircraft operator, VSR Ventures. He pointed out that a plane belonging to the same company had earlier met with an accident at Mumbai Airport on October 14, 2023, though passengers survived that incident.
Speaking to ANI, Waghmare said the repeated involvement of the same operator demands a thorough investigation into safety standards and maintenance practices.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other aviation authorities have launched a comprehensive probe into the crash. Investigators are examining:
- Aircraft maintenance logs
- Pilot flight data
- ATC communication records
- Operator compliance history
The findings will be crucial in determining accountability and preventing future tragedies.
Captain Sahil Madaan’s death marks a profound loss to India’s aviation community. A seasoned pilot with years of experience, his passing underscores the unpredictable risks associated with aviation, even for the most skilled professionals.
As investigations continue, the nation awaits answers — not only about what caused the crash, but also about the safety frameworks governing private charter flights in India.