Nigerian Aviation student dies in freak plane crash at U.S. airport

A Florida Institute of Technology student, Alfa Ekele, has been identified as the person killed at the Orlando Executive Airport after wind gusts of 60 mph, flipped a twin-engine plane he was on, earlier this month.

The U.S. Aviation Administration confirmed Ekele and one person were inside the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star when it flipped over at about 5 p.m. The airport spokesperson said the plane was holding for takeoff on a taxiway while the weather was unfavourable when the accident happened.

The deceased was studying for a master's degree in administration of applied aviation safety at the university’s College of Aeronautics. The incident was not related to Ekele's work at the school in Melbourne, university officials confirmed.

"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.

He was a passionate pilot who excelled in all his classes and was on the path to working in civil aviation'' Maureen Namukasa, a doctoral student in aviation sciences and Alfa's friend said

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.