DUBAI — A tragic plane crash off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE on December 26 has claimed the lives of two individuals, including an Indian-origin doctor and a Pakistani pilot.
The victims were on a sightseeing flight when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, sending shockwaves through their families and the aviation community.
The crash involved Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid, a 26-year-old clinical fellow based in the UK, and the 26-year-old Pakistani woman pilot, both of whom were fatally injured in the incident.
The flight, organized by the Jazirah Aviation Club, was intended to offer a scenic view of the coastline near the Cove Rotana Hotel.
According to reports from Dr. Sulaymaan’s father, Majid Mukarram, the plane took off at around 2 p.m., but the flight ended in disaster minutes later.
Sulaymaan’s younger brother, who was supposed to board the next flight, witnessed the crash, which occurred in close proximity to the hotel.
Initially, the family was told that the plane had lost radio contact and made an emergency landing, fueling a brief hope that the occupants might have survived.
However, upon arriving at the hospital, the family received the heartbreaking news that both victims were critically injured.
Despite efforts to resuscitate them, Dr. Sulaymaan was pronounced dead at approximately 4:30 p.m. The Pakistani pilot was also confirmed dead shortly afterward.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE has confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Light aircraft accidents are rare in the UAE but often trigger thorough investigations to examine factors such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or environmental conditions.
The Jazirah Aviation Club has expressed its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and has pledged to assist authorities in uncovering the cause of the tragedy.
Investigators are working to gather all relevant details to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Dr. Sulaymaan Al Majid was a respected figure in the medical community. He was based at the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust in the UK and was known for his advocacy work within the British Medical Association (BMA).
As the honorary secretary and later co-chair of the Northern Resident Doctors Committee, he was deeply involved in campaigns for improved pay and conditions for doctors.
His efforts to advocate for the reclassification of junior doctors to resident doctors and his commitment to his colleagues earned him considerable admiration in the medical field.
The loss has been devastating for Dr. Sulaymaan’s family, particularly his father, who described his son as the light of their lives. The family had been looking forward to a joyful New Year celebration, which has now been overshadowed by grief.
The GCAA has vowed to continue its investigation, assuring the families of the victims that every effort will be made to understand the cause of the crash and to prevent future occurrences.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims and the broader community mourn the loss of two promising lives.