Two Indian students from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were killed in an aircraft accident in Canada while they were undertaking flight training, the Consulate General of India in Vancouver said.
The consulate identified the deceased as Manoj Sivakumar and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham. In a post on X, it expressed condolences to their families and said it was ready to provide all possible consular assistance, including arrangements for repatriating their mortal remains to India.
Details about the accident were still emerging. Canadian broadcaster CBC reported that a Cessna 172 aircraft operated by Harv’s Air, a flight school based in St. Andrews, Manitoba, crashed near Kisbey in Saskatchewan early Friday morning. Two people were on board and both died in the crash.
The aircraft was being used for a night cross-country flight. According to information cited by CBC, the two pilots were travelling from Regina to Steinbach, Manitoba, with a planned route through Carlyle, Saskatchewan. The pilots had rented the aircraft to build flight hours required for their commercial pilot licences.
The aircraft failed to reach its expected destination, prompting authorities to begin a search operation. It was reported to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada after it did not arrive as scheduled.
Search and rescue teams eventually located the aircraft at around 6 pm Central Daylight Time. Both occupants were found dead at the crash site.
Lieutenant Zoë Hollander, a public affairs officer with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Trenton, said the agency coordinated the search and rescue operation. A CC-138 Hercules aircraft from 435 Squadron located the crash site, after which search and rescue technicians were parachuted into the area.
Once the search and rescue operation was completed, the matter was transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), according to the official.
The Indian consulate said it would remain in contact with the families and provide assistance during the difficult period. The authorities have not yet released further details about the exact cause of the crash.
The incident has also drawn attention to previous accidents involving aircraft associated with Harv’s Air. According to CBC, this was the third reported incident involving the flight school since January 2025.
In January 2025, an instructor working with the school suffered serious injuries after being struck by the propeller of a small aircraft while a student was attempting to start its engine.
In July 2025, two student pilots were killed after their single-engine aircraft collided with another aircraft in mid-air during a training exercise.
The latest crash has once again highlighted the risks involved in flight training, particularly during cross-country operations. However, investigators are expected to determine the precise circumstances and cause of the latest accident.
For the families of Manoj Sivakumar and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham, the incident has resulted in a tragic loss far from home. Indian officials are assisting with the necessary arrangements as the investigation into the crash continues.
Reader Comments 0