Investigation into Kannonkoski plane crash examines airfield and pilot health

Finland’s Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) has detailed its probe into the fatal light aircraft crash in Kannonkoski, central Finland, two weeks ago, stating it will focus on the airfield’s operations, runway condition, pilot background, and the aircraft’s technical state.

Lead investigator Janne Kotiranta said the agency will assess whether the airfield’s procedures and runway surface matched the performance capabilities of the Piper Cherokee PA-28-180 involved. The plane took off from a grass airstrip used by hobby pilots.

“We are also examining the pilot’s experience with this aircraft type and their health status,” Kotiranta said in a statement. A thorough technical inspection of the wreckage and the aircraft’s maintenance history will be conducted.

Kotiranta noted the investigation will proceed by elimination. “A potential technical failure can usually be identified relatively quickly. If none is found, we may be looking at factors related to the airfield, human error, or a combination of both.” He added that a possible medical incident involving the pilot has not been ruled out at this stage.

The safety investigation, mandated by EU regulations, aims to improve general aviation safety and prevent future accidents. It does not address liability or compensation. Such inquiries typically last 9–12 months.

The single-engine, four-seat aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff into a forest near the airstrip, about 200 metres from the runway. The pilot, the only person on board, died from injuries sustained in the crash, which occurred on a Thursday two weeks ago.