The news of an Air India Express flight from Dubai skidded off the runway, crashed and split into two while landing at the Calicut International Airport (Karipur Airport) on Friday, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The accident claimed the life of the pilot and co-pilot and 16 other people on Friday.

The deceased Pilot has been identified as Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe and co-pilot is the First Officer Akhilesh Kumar. Captain Deepak V Sathe was a former Indian Air Force officer who flew the MiG-21 fighter aircraft with 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows) in Ambala. Reportedly, it is perhaps the skill and experience of the 58-year-old veteran pilot, whose 30 years of flying career, that averted an even bigger catastrophe.

While praises have been pouring in for the pilot on social media, Mollywood actor Prithviraj paid tribute to Captain Deepak Vasant Sathe revealing that he had the privilege of knowing the pilot personally. Prithviraj took to his Instagram page to write, "Rest in peace Wing Cdr (Retd) Sathe. Had the privilege of knowing him personally. Will cherish our conversation sir." Many other celebs too condoled the death of the pilot.

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Rest in peace Wing Cdr (Retd) Sathe. Had the privilege of knowing him personally. Will cherish our conversation sir. ??

A post shared by Prithviraj Sukumaran (@therealprithvi) on Aug 7, 2020 at 10:52am PDT