Sreehari Sukesh (23), a native of Thrippunithura in Kerala, lost his life when two small airplanes crashed into each other while flying mid-air at a flight training exercise near Steinbach South Airport in Manitoba, Canada, on Tuesday at 8:45 am. The crash also killed his Canadian classmate, Savanna.
In his account, President of Harv’s Air Pilot Training School Adam Penner claims the accident happened during a “touch-and-go” maneuver, which is routine work of this nature done with a brief landing and immediate takeoff. Initial reports have suggested that a communication breakdown between the two aircraft could have led to the crash.
Investigation into Possible Communication Failure
Early indications suggest that either a malfunction in communication systems or visual misjudgment between the pilots led to the fatal collision. Both aircraft caught fire and crashed into a nearby field about 400 meters from the airstrip. There were no other occupants in either plane.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has launched a detailed investigation to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
Sreehari’s Aviation Dream Cut Short
Sreehari had already obtained his Private Pilot License (PPL) and was in the process of Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training. His friend, Savanna, was in her early days of private pilot training. The incident has rekindled fears over flight safety within schools of training, more so concerning communication standards and coordination in-flight.
Mourning Family Waits for Repatriation
Sreehari’s maternal uncle, Deepesh, said, “The flying school authorities have intimated the family of Sreehari’s accidental death. The incident has caused us immense grief and irreparable loss.”
He further added that the family is presently in coordination with authorities for getting Sreehari’s body to India.
“We shall approach the Chief Minister and Union Ministers for this purpose, as we require the support of all in this critical period.”
Sreehari was the son of Sukesh, a Central Bank staff member, and Deepa, who is working with USA Global. He also has a sister left behind. His untimely death has shocked the people in Thrippunithura and evoked countrywide sympathy.