Savanna May Royes and Sreehari Sukesh Lose Their Lives in Southern Manitoba Mid-Air Collision During Flight Training
Southern Manitoba was the scene of a heartbreaking tragedy early Tuesday morning, as two student pilots lost their lives following a mid-air collision between their training aircraft. The accident occurred during a routine flight exercise near the rural community of Hanover, where the two aspiring aviators were engaged in practicing essential takeoffs and landings under the supervision of Harv’s Air flying school.
The two young men and women involved were identified as 20-year-old Savanna May Royes and Sreehari Sukesh, an Indian national. Both were enrolled in Harv’s Air’s rigorous pilot training program, diligently working toward obtaining their commercial pilot licenses. The circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, but initial reports indicate that the mishap happened around 8:45 a.m., when the pair’s aircraft, a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 152 respectively, came into contact in mid-flight.
Harv’s Air, a well-established flying school operating in southern Manitoba since the 1970s, is widely recognized for training hundreds of students every year, welcoming aspiring pilots from across the globe. With an annual enrollment of approximately 400 students, the school provides comprehensive flight instruction, combining classroom learning with practical flight experience designed to prepare students for professional aviation careers.
According to statements from the school’s leadership, both aircraft involved were single-engine trainers commonly used for beginner and intermediate pilot instruction. Neither aircraft carried any passengers other than the student pilots, indicating that the collision exclusively involved the two trainees. Harv’s Air president Adam Penner expressed his profound sorrow over the loss, stating, “We are heartbroken.” He confirmed the school is fully cooperating with the Transportation Safety Board, which has launched an in-depth investigation to determine the precise factors that contributed to this tragic event.
Savanna May Royes was described by her family as a beacon of light and joy. Known for her infectious laughter and deep-rooted faith, she inspired those around her with her positivity and resilience. Royes was following a deeply personal dream to become a pilot, inspired in part by her father’s career in aviation. Her dedication to flying was evident in her commitment to completing her commercial pilot license, and those close to her recall her as someone whose passion for the skies was matched only by her warmth on the ground.
Sreehari Sukesh, the other student involved, had recently embarked on his journey toward a commercial pilot license. Hailing from India, Sukesh had traveled thousands of miles to pursue his aviation training in Canada. The Consulate General of India confirmed his death and has pledged to work closely with Canadian authorities to provide support and guidance to his family during this devastating time. Sukesh was known among his peers for his enthusiasm and determination to excel in the challenging field of aviation.
The events leading up to the collision remain under careful scrutiny. Both aircraft were participating in coordinated flight exercises that involved practicing takeoffs and landings, a critical phase of pilot training aimed at developing control and situational awareness. Mid-air collisions during such exercises are exceedingly rare, but they underscore the inherent risks involved in flight training, even under the supervision of experienced instructors and in controlled environments.
The rural area surrounding Hanover, where the accident occurred, is home to Harv’s Air’s flight training facilities, which include multiple runways and open airspace favored for training purposes due to its relative lack of commercial air traffic. The clear weather conditions on the morning of the accident suggest that environmental factors such as poor visibility were unlikely contributors, although this remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Emergency responders were quick to arrive on the scene following reports of the collision, but tragically, both student pilots were pronounced deceased at the site. Their aircraft sustained severe damage, and the impact of the collision highlights the fragility and risks involved in aviation training.
The news of the tragedy reverberated across the local community, as well as among the international students enrolled at Harv’s Air. Flight training schools across the region expressed their condolences, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the aviation community where the loss of any member is deeply felt.
In the wake of the accident, Harv’s Air has announced it will temporarily suspend flight operations to allow for a period of mourning and to ensure that safety procedures and protocols are thoroughly reviewed. The school emphasized its commitment to the safety of all students and staff, underscoring that this incident will be a catalyst for reflection and enhancement of training practices.
Many aviation experts note that while flight training carries inherent risks, it remains one of the most tightly regulated and safety-conscious areas of the aviation industry. Schools like Harv’s Air adhere to stringent standards set by aviation authorities, and incidents such as this, while devastating, serve as somber reminders of the importance of continual vigilance and improvement in pilot education.
The loss of two promising young pilots has brought an outpouring of grief not only among their families and friends but also within the broader aviation and local Manitoba communities. Memorials and tributes have been organized to honor their memory, highlighting the impact both had during their brief time in the aviation world.
The Transportation Safety Board’s investigation is expected to take several months as investigators collect data, review flight records, interview witnesses, and analyze wreckage to determine the cause of the collision. The findings will provide critical insights aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Southern Manitoba, known for its vibrant agricultural landscape and close-knit rural communities, has mourned the sudden loss with profound sadness. The tragedy has drawn attention to the dedication of flight training schools and the aspirations of countless young individuals who come to the region to chase their dreams of flying.
In summary, the fatal mid-air collision that claimed the lives of student pilots Savanna May Royes and Sreehari Sukesh serves as a poignant reminder of both the promise and peril inherent in aviation training. Their ambition and commitment to pursuing careers in aviation, though cut short, have left an indelible mark on those who knew them. As the investigation unfolds, the community and the aviation industry alike await answers, united in the hope that lessons learned will improve safety and honor the legacy of these two young aviators.
