Pune: Baramati Crash Survivor Bhavika Rathod Fulfills Her Dream of Becoming a Pilot
Pune, 4th July 2025: Bhavika Rathod, a young woman from Pune who survived a terrifying aircraft accident during training in Baramati in 2021, has successfully realized her dream of becoming a pilot.
The incident, which highlighted the high-risk nature of aviator life, occurred when Bhavika’s Cessna 152 trainer aircraft experienced a sudden engine failure at 1,000 feet during a routine flight. Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, she managed to carry out a crash landing in a marshy field at Kadbanwadi near Indapur, narrowly escaping major injuries with only a minor chin injury, and saving the aircraft from serious damage.
Bhavika, 24, was inspired to become a pilot during a school lecture while studying at Muktangan English School. After completing her Class 12 in 2019, she began preparing for pilot training, though the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused delays. In October 2021, she finally enrolled at Carver Aviation Flying School in Baramati.
Pilot training requires a minimum of 200 flying hours. At around 150 hours into her program, Bhavika experienced the engine failure just 15 nautical miles from Baramati. Following the emergency landing, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated an inquiry and instructed her to observe a three-day “cooling period” away from flying.
Bhavika recalled that this period of forced break triggered thoughts of quitting and even pursuing a BBA degree instead. However, with strong support from her family and friends, she overcame her doubts.
She was cleared to resume training in December 2022, and after rigorous efforts, Bhavika achieved her commercial pilot license in September 2023. She further strengthened her credentials by completing a 45-day Airbus A320 training program in Spain last year.
Today, Bhavika Rathod stands as a shining inspiration for countless young people, showing that courage and determination can help one overcome even the most severe obstacles to fulfill their dreams.
