The tragic death of Pinky Mali, the 29-year-old flight attendant on board the ill-fated Learjet 45, has added a deeply personal dimension to the state-wide mourning following the Baramati plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
A resident of the BDD Chawls (Century Quarters) in Worli/Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Pinky was a dedicated professional who had become a trusted member of the crew for high-profile VVIP flights.
The Final Conversation
Pinky’s father, Shivkumar Mali, a local political worker, shared a heartbreaking account of their last interaction:
- The Promise: Pinky called her father a day before the crash, sounding cheerful. She told him, “Papa, I am going to Baramati with Ajit Dada, and from there I will go to Nanded. I will call you from the hotel.”
- The Connection: She had even promised her father she would try to arrange a brief interaction for him with Ajit Pawar once they landed in Baramati.
- The Shock: Her family first learned of the disaster through television news. Her father described the moment his “limbs started trembling” as he saw the visuals of the burning wreckage on the Baramati runway.
A Profile of Dedication
- Background: Originally from Bhainsa village in Jaunpur, UP, Pinky’s family had migrated to Mumbai decades ago. She completed her education in Thane before pursuing her dream in the aviation sector.
- Professionalism: This was reportedly her fifth trip with Ajit Pawar. She was highly regarded by VSR Aviation for her efficiency and had previously flown with several top-tier politicians and celebrities.
- Family: She is survived by her parents, her brother Karan, and her sister Preeti. Her husband has traveled to Baramati to claim her mortal remains for the final rites in Mumbai.
The Victims: The 5 Lives Lost
The crash claimed everyone on board. The victims included:
- Ajit Pawar (66): Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
- Vidip Jadhav: Personal Security Officer (PSO) from Thane, who waved goodbye to his neighbors just two hours before the crash.
- Pinky Mali (29): Cabin Crew/Attendant.
- Captain Sumit Kapoor: Pilot-in-Command (A veteran with 16,500+ flying hours).
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak: First Officer (A young pilot from a defense background).
Investigation Update
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA have officially cordoned off the site.
- Focus on Visibility: While the airport operator initially suggested “good visibility,” the Civil Aviation Ministry noted that the pilot reported “runway not in sight” during the first attempt.
- Technical Health: VSR Aviation maintains the 16-year-old Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) was airworthy, though this is the second major accident for the company in three years.