Accident
On 17 April 2022, a homebuilt Monnett Sonerai I aircraft, registration OH-XMA, departed from Jyväskylä Airport in Tikkakoski for a private training flight. The pilot intended to fly a traffic pattern and perform a touch-and-go landing. At 19:19, the pilot reported taxiing from the hangar toward runway 12. At 19:22, the pilot reported taxiing onto runway 12, and at 19:24 announced the start of takeoff, planning to join the traffic pattern.
At 19:25, the pilot reported turning right onto the downwind leg for runway 12, at an estimated altitude of approximately 150 meters above ground. This altitude was significantly lower than that indicated on the visual approach chart for Tikkakoski. It was known that the pilot typically flew a low traffic pattern.
During the downwind leg, at about 19:26, the aircraft's engine malfunctioned and stopped. The pilot attempted to glide back to the airfield but was forced to make an emergency landing in a forest approximately 300 meters southwest of the airfield boundary. The aircraft struck trees, and the pilot died. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Witnesses and Response
Several witnesses observed the flight and the accident. Emergency services responded. The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (OTKES) launched an investigation under case number L2022-02.
Investigation
The investigation team was led by Olli Borg, with members Juho Posio, Mikko Raatikainen, and Jouni Rautio. Examinations included the aircraft wreckage, engine components, fuel samples, ignition system, and tachometer. Weather conditions were modeled by the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Assistance was provided by Neste Oil (fuel analysis), Konekorhonen Oy (magneto and ignition harness testing), Insta ILS Oy (tachometer evaluation), and the Border Guard Air Wing (engine cylinder head testing). The investigation aimed to improve aviation safety and prevent future occurrences. As per the available report excerpt, no probable cause was stated.