‘Our hearts shattered’: Family of student pilot killed in crash mourns victims of latest Harv’s Air plane crash

The family of a student pilot killed in a mid-air collision are devastated to learn that two more people have died in another plane crash near Kisbey, Sask. The crash occurred on Friday evening, after a Cessna 172 on a night flight from Regina to Steinbach, Man, failed to arrive as scheduled. The aircraft was found and both occupants were confirmed dead, with a post-impact fire reported by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

Harv’s Air, a Manitoba-based flight school, is mourning its third incident in less than two years. In July of 2025, two student pilots, Sreehari Sukesh and Savanna Royes, collided mid-air while practicing a training exercise and both were pronounced dead at the scene. Savanna's mother, Loraine Royes, described the immense grief felt by her family, as they have been through such devastating losses before.

She recalled the conversation with Harv’s Air and the haunting words "hold on," which signaled the tragic reality of the situation. Loraine emphasized Savanna's kindness and the light she brought to everyone around her.

Harv’s Air president, Adam Penner, expressed the shock and sorrow of the entire school community, noting that both pilots had close ties to students and instructors. The TSB expects to release a preliminary summary of the crash later in the week.