Picture credits: Jazeirah Aviation Club
Ras Al Khaimah: On December 26, 2024, a two-seater light aircraft from the Jazirah Aviation Club crashed into the sea off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, killing both occupants, The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed on Sunday.
The victims have been identified as:
Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid: A 26-year-old Indian national born and raised in the UAE. Dr. Al Majid was a clinical fellow at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK and was known for his advocacy for medical professionals.
Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid: Picture credits- LinkedIn
Pilot: A 29-year-old Pakistani woman whose identity has not been publicly disclosed.
Details of the Crash
The aircraft took off around 2 p.m. near the Cove Rotana Hotel along the beach. Shortly after takeoff, the glider lost radio contact and attempted an emergency landing. Despite resuscitation efforts, both occupants succumbed to their injuries.
Dr. Sulaymaan had hired the glider for sightseeing. His family, including his father, mother, and younger brother, were at the aviation club to watch the experience. His younger brother was scheduled to take the next flight.
Dr. Al Majid’s family, residing in Sharjah, is devastated by the loss. His father, Majid Mukarram, expressed their grief, stating, “We were looking forward to celebrating the New Year together as a family. Instead, our lives have been shattered. Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we don’t know how to move forward without him.”
The GCAA said that its Air Accident Investigation Sector received a report on the incident, and that work teams and relevant authorities are still examining the incident. The GCAA expressed condolences to the victims’ families and relatives.
Recent Similar Incidents
The accident occurred a few weeks after another aircraft disaster in the UAE. On November 12, a flying instructor was killed in Fujairah after his training aircraft fell into the sea 20 minutes after takeoff.
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