NIGERIAN AVIATION STUDENT WAS KILLED IN A PLANE CRASH IN THE UNITED STATES

Alfa Ekele, a Nigerian national, was identified as the person killed earlier this month at the Orlando Executive Airport after wind gusts of 60 mph flipped the twin-engine plane he was in.

According to an airport official, the incident was caused by a microburst as severe weather descended on the airport while the plane - a Diamond DA-42 Twin Star - was waiting on the taxiway.

The US FAA confirmed Ekele and one other person were aboard the twin-engine Diamond DA42 Twin Star when it flipped over around 5 p.m. According to an airport spokesperson, the plane was waiting for takeoff on a taxiway while the weather was bad.

According to Florida Today, the deceased was pursuing a master's degree in administration of applied aviation safety at the University of Florida's College of Aeronautics. University officials confirmed that the incident had nothing to do with Ekele's work at the Melbourne school.

"Alfa was beloved by 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," said Maureen Namukasa, an aviation sciences doctoral student and Alfa's friend. "He was a dedicated pilot who excelled in all of his classes and aspired to work in civil aviation," she added.

The airport's director, Judith-Ann Jarrette, told media outlets that the twin-engine aircraft had taxied out on Runway 7 when winds from approaching severe weather flipped it upside down. The Orlando Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. A federal investigation is currently underway.

Precious Ekele and their two children survive Ekele. At 12:30 p.m., Florida Tech will hold a public memorial service for Ekele. Thursday in the campus's All Faiths Center