Manitoba, Canada: Two student pilots lost their lives in a mid-air collision involving training aircraft operated by Harv’s Air near Steinbach South Airport in the Rural Municipality of Hanover, Manitoba. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m. on 8 July during routine circuit training. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the aircraft involved a Cessna 152 and a Cessna 172 collided roughly 400 metres from the runway while performing training exercises involving takeoffs and landings. Emergency services responded swiftly, but both pilots ,one male and one female were pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers were on board either aircraft. The names of the deceased have not yet been released pending family notifications. Both aircraft were registered to Harv’s Air, a well-established flight training school in Manitoba. Initial information suggests that one aircraft was on final approach while the other was climbing out, likely after a touch-and-go. The school’s owner indicated the collision may have resulted from a breakdown in visual separation or communication between the two student pilots. Weather conditions were reported to be favourable at the time of the accident. There is no evidence of mechanical failure or external interference. RCMP have ruled out criminal involvement. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched a full investigation. Officials are analyzing flight logs, maintenance records, and any available radio communications. A team has been dispatched to the site to conduct a detailed examination of the wreckage and to interview witnesses and school personnel. Harv’s Air released a statement expressing condolences to the families and confirming that flight training operations have been suspended temporarily out of respect and to support the investigation. Previous Incident in British Columbia In a separate incident earlier this year, on April 18, 2025, a Cessna 172 operated by Principal Air crashed near Chilliwack Airport, British Columbia, during a dual training flight. Both the flight instructor and the student pilot were killed. That flight was also being conducted under daylight VFR conditions and remains under investigation by the TSB. Authorities have not indicated any systemic issues linking the crashes, but findings from both investigations may contribute to broader safety reviews across the general aviation training sector. Further updates will be provided as the investigations proceed
Aircraft Crashes

Two Student Pilots Killed in Mid-Air Collision During Circuit Training in Manitoba

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Manitoba, Canada: Two student pilots lost their lives in a mid-air collision involving training aircraft operated by Harv’s Air near […]