One of two pilots in fatal mid-air collision in Manitoba identified

One of the two pilots killed in a mid-air plane crash has been identified. Jeff Keele has more.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has confirmed the identity of one of the two victims in Tuesday’s deadly mid-air plane crash near Steinbach.

Two student pilots died when their planes collided just south of the runway at Harv’s Air, a flight school.

In a post on X, the Consulate General says Sreehari Sukesh was one of the pilots.

“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 the family,” the post reads.

The post goes on to say the Consulate has contacted the family, the school, and police to provide assistance.

A Facebook page with Sukesh’s name describes him as a private pilot and he is listed as living in Steinbach, MB.

“Once you have tasted flight, nothing else will stop you,” a post on the page reads.

Harv’s Air owner Adam Penner said Tuesday the pilots were practicing routine takeoffs and landings at the time of the collision.

The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

On Wednesday the TSB said while on final approach to the runway, the planes collided in the air, hit the ground, and a fire ensued.