Accident Investigation Board Finland released an intermediate investigation report on light aircraft accident in August 2008

A Piper Arrow training aircraft (OH-PDY) on Patria Pilot Training Oy’s flight was lost in Taipalsaari, on Lake Saimaa, on 15 August 2008. The flight instructor and two flight students were killed in the accident.

Accident Investigation Board Finland has today released an intermediate investigation report on the accident. According to the report, large sections of the aircraft have disintegrated already when airborne. These sections have not been found, despite widespread search efforts. The investigations have not revealed any fatigue damage in the aircraft. The accident investigation continues.

Patria has cooperated with the investigation authorities and the company personnel have been interviewed as part of the normal investigation procedure.

Patria Pilot Training Oy trains professional pilots with some 100 students at the moment. The company has 9 of its own and 6 leased training aircraft. The training has continued normally after a few days’ break caused by the accident.

Patria is a defence and aerospace group with international operations delivering its customers competitive solutions based on own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. 

Further information:

Patria
Jukka Holkeri
Executive Vice President
Tel. +358 40 869 2008