An individual identified as Alfa Ekele, a student at the Florida Institute of Technology, lost his life at the Orlando Executive Airport when a twin-engine plane he was on flipped due to wind gusts of 60 mph earlier this month.
The U.S. Aviation Administration confirmed that Ekele and another person were inside the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star when it overturned at approximately 5 p.m. According to the airport spokesperson, the plane was waiting for takeoff on a taxiway in unfavorable weather conditions when the accident occurred.
The deceased was pursuing a master’s degree in administration of applied aviation safety at the university’s College of Aeronautics. University officials confirmed that the incident was not related to Ekele’s work at the school in Melbourne.
“Alfa was dear to many, and anyone who knew him was impacted by his faith and pursuit of God, genuine love for his family, contagious smile, generosity, and impeccable work ethic.” – Maureen Namukasa, a doctoral student in aviation sciences and a friend of Alfa
“He was a passionate pilot who excelled in all his classes and was on the path to working in civil aviation.
Ekele is survived by his wife, Precious Ekele, and two children. Florida Tech will hold a public memorial service for Ekele at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, in the All Faiths Center on campus.