A devastating mid-air collision near Steinbach, Manitoba, claimed the lives of two student pilots on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the crash occurred at around 8:45 a.m., approximately 400 m from Steinbach South Airport .
Among the victims was 23‑year‑old Sreehari Sukesh, a trainee from Tripunithura, Kochi, pursuing a commercial pilot licence. The Indian Consulate in Toronto has identified him and is coordinating with his family, Harv’s Air flight school, and local authorities to extend necessary support .
The other student was 20‑year‑old Savanna May Royes from Canada, who was training for her private pilot licence . Both were operating single-engine Cessna aircraft (a Cessna 152 and a Cessna 172) as part of routine training flights at Harv’s Air, which has trained roughly 400 pilots annually for 50 years without prior fatalities .
According to Harv’s Air owner Adam Penner, the planes collided during simultaneous landing approaches, possibly due to miscommunication and limited visibility between the pilots . Witnesses heard unusual engine sounds followed by loud bangs and observed plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site .
Emergency responders—including RCMP, fire services, and paramedics—reached the scene rapidly, but both pilots were pronounced dead upon arrival .
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is currently investigating the incident. While it remains too early to determine the cause or to consider criminal liability, authorities are examining flight operations, communications, and training protocols .
Key Takeaways
- Victims identified: Sreehari Sukesh (23, India) and Savanna May Royes (20, Canada).
- Flight school: Harv’s Air in Steinbach, MB.
- Incident: Mid-air collision during training approaches in single-engine Cessnas.
- Investigation: Led by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board; RCMP involved.
