Indian Student Pilot Killed in Aircraft Collision in US

An Indian origin student pilot was among two persons killed in a mid-air collision between two training aircraft near Steinbach South Airport in southern Manitoba, Canada, on Tuesday. The accident occurred just 400 mts from a runway used by Harv’s Air, a popular pilot training institute in which the duo were obtaining training.

The deceased were identified as Sreehari Sukesh, 21, a native of Kerala and Savanna May Royes, 20, a Canadian national. Reportedly, they were both classmates and were in the flight training exercises when the collision took place.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto shared a statement about the same on X, expressed condolences and assured support to the bereaved family. “With profound sorrow, we mourn the tragic passing of Mr. Sreehari Sukesh, a young Indian student pilot, who lost his life in a mid-air collision near Steinbach, Manitoba. We extend our deepest condolences to his family. The Consulate is in contact with the bereaved family, the pilot training school, and local police to provide all necessary assistance,” the post read.

The two student pilots were practising takeoffs and landings in Cessna single-engine aircraft when the tragedy occurred, said Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air. Both of them tried to land at the same time and collided just a few hundred metres from the runway. The aircraft were equipped with radios but it seems neither of the pilots saw the other approaching. Reportedly, Sukesh had already obtained his private pilot’s license and was pursuing a commercial pilot certificate course.

Harv’s Air was founded in early 1970s. It is a family-run flight school, with a strength of 400 students from across the world. The school provides training to both professional learners and recreational aviation enthusiasts.