Tragedy struck the shores of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a light aircraft crash claimed the lives of its pilot and co-pilot. This heartbreaking incident has left families mourning and raised questions about aviation safety, prompting an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
On December 26, a light aircraft from the Jazirah Aviation Club crashed shortly after takeoff, plunging into the sea near the Cove Rotana Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah.
The crash occurred around 2 PM, resulting in the tragic deaths of the pilot, a 26-year-old Pakistani woman, and her co-pilot, 26-year-old Indian doctor Sulaymaan Al Majid. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE confirmed the accident and announced that an investigation was underway to determine its cause.
Dr. Sulaymaan, a clinical fellow in the UK’s County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, had hired the aircraft for a sightseeing experience.
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His family, including his father, mother, and younger brother, were present at the aviation club to witness the flight. Sulaymaan’s younger brother was scheduled to take the next flight, making the tragedy even more harrowing for the family.
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Initial reports suggested the aircraft had lost radio contact. Later, the family was informed that the glider had made an emergency landing and that the occupants were critically injured. Despite resuscitation efforts, Sulaymaan succumbed to his injuries, with his time of death recorded after 4:30 PM.
A Promising Life Cut Short
The death of Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid has left a void in the lives of his family and colleagues. Born and raised in the UAE, Sulaymaan was a graduate of Dubai Scholars School and pursued his medical career with dedication and passion.
As an honorary secretary and later co-chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee of the British Medical Association in the UK, he was a staunch advocate for improving conditions for resident doctors, including pay restoration and reclassification efforts.
His father, Majid Mukarram, expressed the family’s devastation, sharing how they were looking forward to celebrating the New Year together. “Sulaymaan was the light of our lives, and we don’t know how to move forward without him,” he said. The family, who resides in Sharjah, prepared for his funeral, which was held at Al Ghusai graveyard.
Tributes poured in for Sulaymaan, with friends and colleagues remembering him as a bright and ambitious individual who was deeply committed to his work and advocacy. His younger brother, who announced the tragic news on Instagram, requested privacy for the family during this challenging time.
Aviation Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigations
The GCAA has initiated a comprehensive investigation to uncover the reasons behind the crash. Its Air Accident Investigation Sector has been working with relevant authorities to examine the incident.
While details of the crash’s cause remain unclear, the tragic event has spotlighted the importance of stringent safety protocols in aviation, particularly for light aircraft used for recreational purposes.
This accident follows another aviation tragedy in the UAE just a month earlier. On November 12, a flight instructor lost his life when a training aircraft lost radar contact 20 minutes after takeoff and later crashed.
The instructor’s body was discovered on the shores of Fujairah. Such incidents underscore the need for enhanced safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future occurrences.
In the case of the Ras Al Khaimah crash, the aircraft was reportedly part of a sightseeing experience, which raises questions about maintenance standards and the preparedness of aviation clubs for emergency situations. Investigators will likely examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, pilot training, and any environmental factors that could have contributed to the crash.
Reflection and Moving Forward
The loss of two young lives in the Ras Al Khaimah crash is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of prioritizing safety in all endeavors.
For Sulaymaan’s family, the tragedy has left an indelible mark, turning what should have been a joyous occasion into a lifelong heartbreak. His father’s words capture the essence of the family’s grief: “It feels like time has stopped for us.”
As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that the findings will lead to improved safety standards and preventive measures in the aviation sector. For the families of the deceased, no amount of investigation can replace their loss, but ensuring accountability and safety reforms can provide some solace.
The Ras Al Khaimah crash serves as a call to action for aviation authorities and clubs to reexamine their practices, ensuring that every flight prioritizes the safety of those aboard. It also highlights the need for support systems for families affected by such tragedies, providing them with the strength to navigate their loss.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏