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Florida Tech student killed after severe storms flipped plane at Orlando Executive Airport

By FOX 35 News Staff
Published  September 13, 2022 6:52pm EDT
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

FIT student killed when planes flipped at Orlando Executive Airport

Officials confirmed Tuesday that an FIT student was the person who was killed after two planes flipped at Orlando Executive Airport during a series of intense storms on September 1.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida Tech confirmed Tuesday that one of its students was killed earlier this month at Orlando Executive Airport after the airplane he was in flipped during a severe thunderstorm.

In a statement to FOX 35, the Melbourne-based school identified the student as Alfa Ekele, of Nigeria, who was studying aviation safety.

"The entire university community extends their sincere sympathies and offers heartfelt condolences to Alfa's family and friends. He is remembered as a kind person who will be dearly missed," the statement read. The University said the accident was not connected to his studies at the school.

Severe storms moved through Orlando on Sept. 1, 2022, bringing with them torrential rains, lightning, and strong winds. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued in the area of the airport, including a report of a 62 mph wind gust, and a microburst – a significant downward force of air.

1 killed at Orlando airport after 62 mph wind gust flips planes

One person is dead, and a second is seriously injured after a pair of planes flipped at Orlando Executive Airport after intense storms moved through Central Florida on Thursday afternoon, according to officials.

Emergency officials told FOX 35 that two planes were flipped over during the storm. One was empty, while the other was not.