Key Takeaways
• Two student pilots died in a midair collision near Steinbach (South) Airport, Manitoba, on July 8, 2025.
• Victims included 23-year-old Indian-origin student Sreehari Sukesh and 20-year-old Canadian Savanna May Royes.
• Investigation by Transportation Safety Board of Canada ongoing; Harv’s Air and Indian Consulate support families.
Two student pilots lost their lives on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, when their training aircraft collided in midair near Steinbach (South) Airport in Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦. Among the victims was Sreehari Sukesh, a 23-year-old Indian-origin student pilot from Kerala, India 🇮🇳, and Savanna May Royes, a 20-year-old Canadian citizen. Both were enrolled at Harv’s Air, a respected flight school known for training hundreds of students from Canada 🇨🇦 and around the world each year. The tragic midair collision has shaken the local community and raised important questions about flight training safety, international student support, and regulatory oversight.
What Happened: The Collision and Immediate Response
The accident took place around 8:45 a.m. local time, just outside Steinbach (South) Airport, about 50 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg. The two aircraft involved—a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 152—were both single-engine planes commonly used for pilot training. According to officials, the students were practicing takeoffs and landings, a routine exercise known as “circuit training.” Both planes were equipped with radios, but it appears the pilots did not see each other in time to avoid the crash.
Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a column of black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency responders, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local fire department, and medical teams, arrived quickly. Sadly, both pilots were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims and Community Impact
The loss of Sreehari Sukesh and Savanna May Royes has deeply affected the Harv’s Air community. Sreehari, an Indian-origin student pilot, had come to Canada 🇨🇦 to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot—a path chosen by many young people from India 🇮🇳 and other countries seeking high-quality flight training. Savanna, a Canadian citizen, was also working toward her pilot’s license. Both were described as dedicated and passionate about flying.
Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air, expressed his sorrow, stating, “We are devastated by this tragedy. In our 50-year history, we have never experienced a fatal incident. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of both students.” The school, which trains about 400 students each year, is known for its close-knit environment and diverse student body, including many international students.
Official Investigation and Support for Families
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the accident. As of July 10, 2025, the investigation remains ongoing, with no preliminary findings released. Investigators are collecting evidence from the crash site, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing flight data and radio communications. The TSB’s final report is expected in the coming months and may include recommendations to improve flight training safety.
The Indian Consulate General in Toronto has confirmed Sreehari Sukesh’s death and is providing support to his family. Consular officials are working closely with Harv’s Air and local authorities to assist with arrangements and offer guidance during this difficult time. This support is crucial for families of international students, who often face added challenges when dealing with tragedies far from home.
Flight Training Safety: Risks and Current Practices
The accident highlights the risks involved in solo flight training, especially during circuit work, which involves repeated takeoffs and landings. While both aircraft were equipped with radios, not all training planes have advanced collision avoidance systems like ADS-B In. These systems can help pilots see other aircraft nearby, even if they are not visible out the window.
Aviation safety experts point out that visual scanning—constantly looking outside the cockpit for other planes—and clear radio communication are essential during circuit operations. However, busy training airfields can become crowded, and even experienced pilots can miss seeing another aircraft. Some experts have suggested that requiring all training aircraft to have advanced collision avoidance technology could help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Regulatory Environment and Recent Changes
Canada 🇨🇦 has a strong record of aviation safety, and flight schools like Harv’s Air must follow strict rules set by Transport Canada. In March 2025, the government updated several parts of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), addressing minor safety and operational issues. These changes did not directly relate to the accident but show ongoing efforts to keep flight training safe.
Transport Canada has also been reviewing rules about pilot fatigue and flight duty time, with consultations and reports published in 2024. These discussions may lead to new standards for how long student pilots can fly in a day and how schools manage training schedules. Another area under review is approach ban regulations, which would set new rules for flying in low-visibility conditions. While these changes are not yet in force, they reflect a broader focus on improving safety for all pilots.
For more information on Canadian aviation regulations and updates, readers can visit the Transport Canada Civil Aviation official website.
International Students: Unique Challenges and Support Needs
The death of an Indian-origin student pilot in a Canadian 🇨🇦 training accident brings attention to the unique challenges faced by international students. Many young people from India 🇮🇳 and other countries come to Canada 🇨🇦 for flight training because of the country’s strong reputation and modern facilities. However, being far from home means that students and their families may need extra support in emergencies.
The Indian Consulate General in Toronto has played a key role in helping Sreehari Sukesh’s family. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, consular support includes helping with paperwork, coordinating with local authorities, and offering emotional support. The Indian government may also review safety protocols for its nationals studying abroad, especially in fields like aviation where risks are higher.
Flight Schools: Reviewing Safety Procedures
For Harv’s Air and other flight schools, the tragedy is a reminder of the importance of strong safety procedures. Schools may review how they manage solo circuit training, ensure that students are well-prepared for busy airspace, and consider investing in better technology for their aircraft. While radios are standard, adding collision avoidance systems could provide another layer of safety.
Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air, noted that the school’s staff and students are supporting each other through this difficult time. “We are a family here,” he said. “We will do everything we can to help our students and their families.”
Regulators: Possible Changes Ahead
The TSB’s investigation may lead to new recommendations for flight schools and regulators. If the final report finds that technology like ADS-B In could have prevented the accident, Transport Canada may consider making such equipment mandatory for training aircraft. There could also be changes to how solo training is supervised or how circuit operations are managed at busy airports.
Transport Canada has a history of acting on TSB recommendations to improve safety. Any new rules would likely be developed in consultation with flight schools, aviation experts, and international partners.
Local Community: Shock and Grief
The crash has left a mark on the local community near Steinbach. Residents who witnessed the accident described the shock of seeing the planes collide and the sadness of learning that two young lives were lost. The incident has also brought attention to the important role that flight schools play in rural areas, providing jobs and attracting students from around the world.
Step-by-Step Procedures After the Accident
After a fatal accident like this, several steps are taken to manage the situation and support those affected:
- Immediate Response: Emergency services secure the crash site and confirm the identities of the victims.
- Notification: Authorities notify the next of kin, and consular officials are contacted if international students are involved.
- Investigation: The TSB collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and reviews flight data and radio communications.
- Support: The flight school and consulate provide support to families and students, including counseling and help with travel or legal matters.
- Regulatory Review: Depending on the investigation’s findings, Transport Canada may issue safety recommendations or require changes to training procedures.
Looking Ahead: What Could Change
The final TSB report will be closely watched by flight schools, regulators, and international student groups. Possible outcomes include:
- New Safety Recommendations: The TSB may suggest that all training aircraft be equipped with advanced collision avoidance systems.
- Changes to Training Protocols: There could be new rules about how solo circuit training is conducted, especially at busy airports.
- International Coordination: The Indian government may seek stronger safety assurances for its students in Canada 🇨🇦, possibly leading to new agreements or protocols between the two countries.
Practical Guidance for Students and Families
For international students considering flight training in Canada 🇨🇦, it’s important to:
- Choose Reputable Schools: Look for schools with strong safety records and clear support systems for international students.
- Ask About Technology: Find out what safety equipment is installed on training aircraft, including radios and collision avoidance systems.
- Stay Informed: Keep in touch with your country’s consulate and know how to reach them in case of emergency.
- Understand Procedures: Learn about the school’s emergency response plans and what support is available if something goes wrong.
Families should also make sure they have up-to-date contact information for the school and consulate, and discuss emergency plans with their loved ones before they travel.
Quotes from Stakeholders and Experts
- Adam Penner, Harv’s Air President: “Our hearts go out to the families. We are committed to learning from this tragedy and doing everything we can to keep our students safe.”
- Aviation Safety Expert: “Visual scanning and radio communication are key during circuit training, but technology like ADS-B In can provide an extra layer of safety.”
- Indian Consulate Official: “We are working closely with Canadian authorities and the flight school to support Sreehari Sukesh’s family during this difficult time.”
Background: Harv’s Air and International Flight Training
Harv’s Air has been training pilots since the early 1970s and is known for its high standards and welcoming atmosphere. The school attracts students from Canada 🇨🇦 and many other countries, including India 🇮🇳, China 🇨🇳, and countries in Africa and Europe. International students often choose Canada 🇨🇦 for flight training because of the country’s modern facilities, experienced instructors, and clear path to commercial pilot licenses.
However, the path is not without risks. Flight training is demanding, and solo flights require students to make quick decisions and manage busy airspace. Schools like Harv’s Air provide thorough training and support, but accidents can still happen.
Implications for the Broader Community
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks faced by student pilots, especially those far from home. It also highlights the need for strong support systems, clear safety procedures, and ongoing investment in technology. For the Indian-origin student pilot community and their families, the accident is a painful loss but also a call to action for better safety and support.
Where to Find More Information
- Transportation Safety Board of Canada: For updates on the investigation and safety recommendations.
- Harv’s Air: For information and support for current students and families.
- Indian Consulate General in Toronto: For assistance to Indian nationals and families. Contact information is available on the official Indian Consulate General in Toronto website.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Safety and Support
The midair collision near Steinbach has left a lasting impact on families, students, and the aviation community in Canada 🇨🇦 and India 🇮🇳. As the investigation continues, flight schools, regulators, and governments must work together to improve safety and provide strong support for international students. By learning from this tragedy, the community can honor the memory of Sreehari Sukesh and Savanna May Royes and help prevent similar accidents in the future.
Learn Today
Midair collision → An accident where two aircraft strike each other while flying in the sky.
Circuit training → Repeated takeoffs and landings practice performed by pilots to build flying skills.
ADS-B In → Advanced technology that alerts pilots of nearby aircraft to prevent collisions.
Transportation Safety Board → Canadian agency investigating transportation accidents to improve safety regulations.
Flight duty time → Regulations that limit how long pilots can fly to reduce fatigue and errors.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 8, 2025, two student pilots training near Steinbach Airport collided midair claiming two lives. The accident highlights flight training risks, especially for international students, prompting safety reviews, regulatory scrutiny, and support efforts by Harv’s Air and the Indian Consulate amid ongoing investigations.
— By VisaVerge.com
“Adam Penner, Harv’s Air President: “Our hearts go out to the families. We are committed to learning from this tragedy and doing everything we can to keep our students safe.”” Covered up daddy’s sexual assault and forced me to fly for an hour in embedded thunderstorms. Shame on you, Adam. He’s a liar.