Alfa Ekele, Nigerian Aviation Student Dies In Plane Crash At US Airport (Photo)
Alfa Ekele, a Nigerian national studying at the Florida Institute of Technology, was the victim of the twin-engine jet that was overturned by wind gusts of 60 mph earlier this month at the Orlando Executive Airport, where he was murdered.
As heavy weather descended on the airport as the plane, a Diamond DA-42 Twin Star, was waiting on the taxiway, a microburst is believed to have been the cause of the fatal tragedy, according to an airport official.
When the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star overturned at around 5 o’clock in the evening, the US Aviation Administration confirmed Ekele and one other passenger were on board.
According to an airport spokeswoman, the plane was waiting to take off on a taxiway despite the bad weather.
Florida Today learned that the deceased was enrolled at the university’s College of Aeronautics, where she was pursuing a master’s degree in administration of applied aviation safety. Officials from the university verified that the incident had nothing to do with Ekele’s employment at the Melbourne institution.
According to Maureen Namukasa, a doctorate student in aviation sciences and Alfa’s acquaintance, “Alfa was dear to many, and everybody who met him was influenced by his faith and pursuit of God, true love for his family, contagious grin, kindness, and outstanding work ethic.”
She continued, “He was an enthusiastic pilot who did well in all of his classes and was headed for a career in civil aviation.
The twin-engine aircraft was taxying out on Runway 7 when winds from strong weather blowing into the vicinity turned it upside down, according to Judith-Ann Jarrette, director of the airport, who spoke to journalists. Orlando Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene. There is an ongoing federal investigation.
Ekele leaves behind his wife Precious Ekele and their two kids. A memorial service for Ekele will be held in the All Faiths Center at Florida Tech on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.
