No investigation into Hyvinkää electric plane crash

Finland’s Safety Investigation Authority (Otkes) will not open a full investigation into the fatal crash of an electric-powered aircraft in Hyvinkää earlier this month, citing a lack of technical data to determine the cause.

The accident on 21 July killed one pilot and seriously injured another after the engine of the Pipistrel Alpha Electro failed shortly after takeoff, causing the plane to crash near Hyvinkää airfield.

Otkes assessed whether the case could yield general safety benefits but concluded an investigation would not be useful. Senior investigator Juho Posio said the absence of engine data recordings made it “almost impossible” to establish why the motor cut out.

The authority also noted no deficiencies in the crew’s actions. The pilots sought an emergency landing site ahead of the aircraft rather than attempting to turn back to the runway, which Posio called the correct decision.

Otkes conducted an on-site inspection and interviewed witnesses. A report will be published detailing the measures taken and any safety observations.