Indian Trainee Pilot Mayank Prajapati Dies in South Africa Plane Crash

New Delhi/South Africa: A young Indian pilot trainee, Mayank Prajapati, s/o Mr. Jaybhagwan Prajapati, a resident of Najafgarh, New Delhi, lost his life in a tragic plane crash in KZN Midlands, South Africa, on October 15, 2025.

According to initial reports, the aircraft, identified as ZU-PBD, met with an accident during a routine training flight. Local authorities recovered the pilot’s body and transferred it to Petermeritsberg Hospital for postmortem examination. Arrangements were made to repatriate his mortal remains to India for the final rites.
Mayank, aged 26, was pursuing his pilot training at Aviation Junction Flying School, South Africa. Aviation Junction Flying School caters to a large number of pilot aspirants from India.The crash happened at Secunda Air Base. Known for his determination, humility, and passion for flying, he had nearly completed his training and was preparing to begin his professional aviation career.

His untimely demise has left his family, friends, and the local community in deep shock. Members of the Prajapati community have expressed heartfelt condolences and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace and for the bereaved family to find strength during this difficult time. This marks second accident this month of an Indian trainee dying in a flying training institute in South Africa. This incident has once again raised serious questions about the promises of cheaper flying in South African flying clubs while compromising on the safety standards of the flights and training practices.

The updated report of the flight ZU-PBD can be found at:  https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/551588