Ranchi — A young pilot trainee from Ranchi, 20-year-old Piyush Pushp, died in a plane crash while undergoing flight training in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Piyush, son of retired teacher T.N. Sahu of Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, resided in Argora Kathal Mod, Lajpat Nagar. He had moved to South Africa earlier this year to pursue his lifelong ambition of becoming a commercial pilot and was enrolled at the Vulcan Aviation Institute.
According to initial reports, the training aircraft developed a technical fault in mid-air, causing the crash. Piyush was critically injured and taken to a hospital in Johannesburg, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Family members shared that Piyush had been close to completing his pilot certification and was excited to return to India to join an airline. The news of his demise reached the family late on Sunday through official communication from the institute.
The Indian Consulate in Johannesburg is coordinating the repatriation of his body. Known for his intelligence, determination, and disciplined nature, Piyush was fondly remembered by his teachers and friends.
Since Monday morning, neighbours, friends, and teachers have visited the Sahu family home to offer condolences. “Piyush was an ambitious and bright student. His death is a huge loss to all of us,” said a family acquaintance.
The exact cause of the crash is yet to be officially released. The Vulcan Aviation Institute has confirmed that a thorough internal investigation is in progress.
With inputs from IANS