Ranchi Youth Dies in Johannesburg Plane Crash During Pilot Training

Ranchi — Tragedy struck a young aspiring pilot from Ranchi, as 20-year-old Piyush Pushp lost his life in a plane crash while undergoing training in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Piyush, who lived in Argora Kathal Mod, Lajpat Nagar, was the son of T.N. Sahu, a retired teacher from Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali. He had moved to South Africa earlier this year to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot and was training at the reputed Vulcan Aviation Institute.

Preliminary reports from the institute indicate that the training aircraft experienced a sudden technical malfunction mid-flight, resulting in the crash. Piyush suffered severe injuries and was taken to a local hospital, where he passed away during treatment.

Family sources revealed that Piyush had recently told his father he was close to completing his flying certification and was eager to return to India to join an airline. The news of his death reached the family late Sunday night through official communication from the institute.

The Indian Consulate in Johannesburg has been informed and has begun the process of repatriating his body. Piyush, a former student of Jawahar Vidya Mandir, Shyamali, was remembered for his intelligence, discipline, and ambition.

Neighbours, teachers, and classmates have been visiting the Sahu residence since Monday morning to pay their respects. “The entire locality is in shock. Piyush was hardworking, polite, and full of dreams. His passing is an irreparable loss,” said a family friend.

Authorities in South Africa are yet to release a detailed report on the incident, but the Vulcan Aviation Institute has assured that an internal investigation is underway.

With inputs from IANS