Pilot escapes after small plane sinks in Pieksämäki lake

Yle reports that a pilot escaped after a small aircraft sank during an unsuccessful landing in Vangasjärvi lake near the centre of Pieksämäki on Thursday evening.

The pilot, who owned the aircraft, was the only person on board. Police said the accident occurred shortly before 8pm when the pilot attempted to land on the lake.

After the aircraft sank, the pilot released the seat belts and climbed onto the plane’s wing. Hunters nearby noticed what had happened and used their boat to bring the pilot ashore.

The South Savo rescue department said on Thursday evening that the pilot was not believed to have been injured.

The aircraft was a two-seat amphibious plane, capable of taking off and landing both on land and on water. Police are investigating the cause of the accident and do not suspect a crime.