Two Chilliwack plane crash victims identified as pilots in training from India

The tail of a small plane that crashed near the Chilliwack Airport on Oct. 6, 2023. (Submitted by Mike Curry)

By Cole Schisler and Michael Williams

Posted October 7, 2023 4:35 pm.

Last Updated October 7, 2023 4:45 pm.

Two of the three people killed in Friday’s plane crash near the Chilliwack airport have been identified in reports from Indian media outlets.

Reports say Abhay Gadru and Yash Vijay Ramugade were both Indian nationals from Mumbai who were training to become pilots when their plane, a Piper Seneca, crashed near the Chilliwack Motor Inn around 2 p.m.

Related story: 3 people killed in plane crash near Chilliwack airport

The plane is owned by SkyQuest Aviation, a flight school based in Langley. SkyQuest told CityNews it is investigating what happened, but declined to comment any further.

The Indian consulate has confirmed with CityNews that it was contacted by RCMP Friday night, and an official with the consulate says they are now working to get the bodies back to India. The official added it was contacted by a family member of one of the victims late Friday night. The official says the consulate will have more information on Monday.

Meantime, Chilliwack RCMP say they are investigating the incident with the Transportation Safety Board, which is examining the wreckage.

The identity of the third victim is unknown. None of the identities have been confirmed by officials.

With files from Hana Mae Nassar and Greg Bowman.

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