Captain Sumit Kapoor Wasn't Supposed To Fly Ajit Pawar Plane That Day: Friends

The nation continues to grapple with the profound shock stemming from the tragic Baramati plane crash, an incident that claimed five lives, including that of prominent political figure Ajit Pawar. Among the victims was Captain Sumit Kapoor, a seasoned aviator whose presence on the ill-fated Learjet 45 has now become the subject of intense scrutiny and sorrowful reflection, as new details emerge suggesting he was not originally scheduled for the flight.

According to close friends and associates, Captain Kapoor, a pilot with a commendable safety record and extensive flying hours, stepped in at the last minute to pilot the aircraft. This unexpected assignment came about after another pilot, slated for the flight, was reportedly delayed due to heavy traffic. This revelation adds another layer of tragic irony to an already devastating event, painting a picture of a dedicated professional making a last-minute adjustment that sealed his fate.

The flight, operated by VSR Ventures, departed from Mumbai around 8:00 AM, carrying Ajit Pawar, who was en route to his hometown of Baramati to participate in crucial election rallies. On board, alongside Captain Kapoor and Mr. Pawar, were co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and Mr. Pawar's security guard, Vidip Jadhav. All five individuals perished when the Learjet 45 crashed during its second landing attempt at Baramati Airport, approximately 8:45 AM.

Initial findings from the ongoing investigation suggest "possible pilot misjudgement" as a contributing factor, particularly in the challenging conditions of poor visibility that prevailed at the time. Authorities are meticulously examining all aspects, including the aircraft's technical integrity, to ascertain if any mechanical failures played a role in the catastrophe. The black box recordings and other critical data are expected to provide further clarity as the probe progresses.

However, the narrative of pilot error has been met with staunch disbelief and a call for a comprehensive inquiry from Captain Kapoor's grieving friends and colleagues. They vehemently attest to his vast experience and impeccable judgment, asserting that the possibility of him making such a critical mistake was exceedingly remote. "Sumit loved flying more than anything," recounted one long-time friend, "He was meticulous, always prioritized safety. To think he would make a misjudgement is just impossible for us to comprehend."

The outpouring of grief extends beyond the professional sphere. Friends remembered Captain Kapoor as a "very kind" and gentle soul, whose passion for aviation was only rivaled by his love for his family. It is a poignant detail that aviation runs deep within his family; both his son and son-in-law are accomplished pilots. He is also survived by his married son and daughter, and a brother who is a businessman based in Gurugram.

The heartbreaking task of identifying the victims was made possible, in Captain Kapoor's case, by a bracelet he was wearing, as confirmed by his friend Sachin Taneja. Another friend, Naresh Taneja, expressed the profound shock felt by their circle: "When we first heard about the crash, it was simply unbelievable that Sumit could be involved. We are all still reeling from the news." GS Grover, another close confidant, shared that he had recently spoken at length with Captain Kapoor after his return from Hong Kong, recalling how Kapoor had thoughtfully advised him on health matters, underscoring his caring nature.

As the nation mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the questions surrounding this tragic incident, the demand for a transparent and thorough investigation grows louder. The families of the victims, and indeed the public, await definitive answers that can bring closure and prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.