A small aircraft crashed into the sea near Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, on December 26, claiming the lives of a Pakistani pilot and an Indian passenger.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed the accident and announced that an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
The pilot, identified as 26-year-old Pakistani Frianza Parveen, and her passenger, 26-year-old Indian doctor Sulaymaan Al Majid, both died in the crash. Diplomatic officials revealed that the pilot’s remains would be repatriated to Pakistan today.
The plane, operated by a private tourism aviation club, was reportedly being used for sightseeing when it crashed. According to Sulaymaan’s father, the accident occurred shortly after takeoff at 2 p.m., near the Cove Rotana Hotel.
Sulaymaan had hired the aircraft for a sightseeing tour, and his family was present at the aviation club to witness the flight. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to uncover what led to the tragic crash.