Mid-Air Collision in Canada Kills Two Student Pilots, Including Indian National

Indian Student Pilot from Kerala Killed in Mid-Air Collision in Canada.

An Indian student pilot from Kerala was among two trainees killed in a tragic mid-air collision between training aircraft in Manitoba, Canada, on Tuesday morning. The deceased has been identified as Sreehari Sukesh, a native of Tripunithura in Kerala. The second victim was Savanna May Royes, a fellow student at the same aviation school. Both were training at Harv’s Air, a private flight school based in Steinbach.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the collision occurred at approximately 8:45 AM on July 8 in the Rural Municipality of Hanover. Both single-engine aircraft crashed during landing practice. Authorities confirmed that the two pilots were the only occupants and were pronounced dead at the scene.

India’s Consulate General in Toronto confirmed Sukesh’s identity and expressed condolences via X (formerly Twitter):

“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 added that it is coordinating with the bereaved family, the training school, and Canadian authorities to provide necessary assistance.

Sreehari had studied in Kochi before relocating to Canada to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. On his now-locked Facebook profile, he had described himself as a private pilot and shared the quote: “Once you have tasted flight, nothing else will stop you.”

According to CTV News, citing Harv’s Air co-owner Adam Penner, the collision happened as both students were attempting to land simultaneously — a tragic mishap during routine training. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched a full investigation into the crash.