In late July, a tragic incident unfolded in Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, resulting in the loss of two lives and sending shockwaves through the local community. The small aircraft involved in the crash, a Piper Navajo twin-engine plane, claimed the lives of a 54-year-old pilot and a 27-year-old passenger. The passenger was identified as Gautham Santosh, a native of Kerala, India, who had relocated to Canada with aspirations of becoming a pilot.
Gautham’s deep-rooted passion for aviation was evident from a young age, as he nurtured his dream of flying planes. Despite initial pursuits in mechanical engineering, he ultimately followed his heart and dedicated himself to pursuing a career in aviation. His family described him as a reliable and determined individual who was committed to achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a pilot.
Tragically, Gautham’s journey was cut short when the plane he was on crashed shortly after takeoff. His family, devastated by the loss, is now focused on repatriating his remains to fulfill the necessary rites in India. While grieving the untimely loss of Gautham, his family finds solace in the fact that he passed away doing what he loved most – flying.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, led by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. As the family awaits the repatriation of Gautham’s remains, they hold onto cherished memories of his passion for flying and unwavering determination to pursue his dreams.