Pilot Sumit Kapoor, Not Scheduled to Fly, Died in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

• Captain Sumit Kapoor, one of five victims in the Baramati plane crash, was not originally scheduled to pilot the flight carrying Ajit Pawar.
• Kapoor filled in last minute after another pilot was delayed, having returned from Hong Kong just days prior.
• The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, crashed at Baramati Airport at 8:45 am during a second landing attempt, killing all five on board.
• Victims included Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and security guard Vidip Jadhav.
• Friends dispute initial suggestions of pilot misjudgement, citing Kapoor's extensive experience and calling for a transparent investigation.

Why It Matters: Captain Sumit Kapoor, an experienced pilot, died in a plane crash he wasn't scheduled to fly.