The two pilots from a Manitoba flight school killed in a crash near Regina have been identified as students from India. The two pilots had been flying in a Cessna 172 on a flight from Regina, Sask., to Steinbach, Man., on a night cross-country flight. Rescue crews started a search for the aircraft after it did not arrive as scheduled Friday evening. Both pilots were found dead in a remote area near Kisbey, located around 160 kilometres southeast of Regina. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver had posted about the crash on Sunday, naming the pilots as Manoj Sivakumar and Srisaran Thirugnanasambantham. “Our heartfelt sympathies are with their bereaved families and loved ones during this difficult time,” the post on X reads. “The Consulate stands ready to extend all possible consular assistance to the families in connection with the repatriation of the mortal remains to India.” CTV News has reached out to the consulate for more information. Adam Penner, the president of Harv’s Air, also confirmed the pilots’ identities. He told CTV News both held their private pilot licence and had rented the plane to gain experience towards their commercial licence. “The entire Harv’s Air family is shocked and saddened by this tragedy,” Penner said in a statement. “Both pilots had close ties to their fellow students and instructors. We extend our deepest condolences to family and friends.” The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) said the investigation into the crash is ongoing, telling CTV News there had been a post-impact fire on the plane. “TSB investigators have completed their work at the accident site and have now returned from the field,” a media relations coordinator for the TSB said in an email. “While on site, they documented the scene, examined the wreckage and retrieved components for further examination.” The TSB said it expects to have a preliminary summary of the crash later this week.
