FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee D YL-MED Accident in Estonia

Tartu lennuväli, EE

On May 4, 2012, a Piper PA 28-235 Cherokee D (registration YL-MED) was involved in an aviation accident near Tartu lennuväli, EE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the disconnection of the oil hose fitting to the oil radiator, which resulted in a complete loss of oil pressure, engine overheating, and subsequent engine stoppage. This summary draws on records from the Estonian Safety Investigation Bureau (OJK).

Sourcesthe Estonian Safety Investigation Bureau (OJK)Primary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

On 4 May 2012, a Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee D (YL-MED) crashed in a field near Tartu, Estonia, after an engine failure during a night training flight. The accident was caused by a disconnected oil hose fitting, leading to total loss of oil pressure and engine stoppage.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 4 May 2012, a Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee D, registration YL-MED, was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) training flight in the vicinity of Tartu airfield, Estonia. The aircraft, a 1970 model with serial number 28-11377, departed from Limbaži airfield at 21:05 local time. The crew consisted of a 51-year-old flight instructor with 10,300 hours of experience and two student pilots. The flight was intended for approach and maneuvering practice at Tartu airfield. The aircraft was equipped with a Lycoming O540-B4B5 engine and had a maximum takeoff weight of 1,315 kg. Its airworthiness was valid at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the disconnection of the oil hose fitting to the oil radiator, which resulted in a complete loss of oil pressure, engine overheating, and subsequent engine stoppage.
Maintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 May 2012 Piper PA 28-235 Cherokee D accident near Tartu lennuväli, EE?

On 4 May 2012, a Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee D (YL-MED) crashed in a field near Tartu, Estonia, after an engine failure during a night training flight. The accident was caused by a disconnected oil hose fitting, leading to total loss of oil pressure and engine stoppage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 2012 Piper PA 28-235 Cherokee D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 May 2012 involved a Piper PA 28-235 Cherokee D, registration YL-MED, at Tartu lennuväli, EE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the disconnection of the oil hose fitting to the oil radiator, which resulted in a complete loss of oil pressure, engine overheating, and subsequent engine stoppage.

More accident analyses