On August 20, 1992, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration OH-PRA) operated by Finnish Government was involved in an aviation accident near Oulu, Finland during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Double engine failure caused by a fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A Finnish Border Guards maritime patrol aircraft suffered a double engine failure while descending to Oulu Airport, forcing the crew to ditch in Liminga Bay. Both pilots were rescued; the aircraft was destroyed.
Incident Summary
A maritime patrol mission conducted on behalf of the Finnish Border Guards (Rajavartiolaitos) ended with a ditching in Liminga Bay. While the aircraft was descending to Oulu Airport, both engines stopped simultaneously. The crew responded by reducing altitude and executing a ditching maneuver in the bay, located a few kilometers from the airport.
Response and Rescue
Following the ditching, both pilots were rescued from the water. The aircraft itself sustained damage beyond repair, rendering it a total loss. No further details about the rescue operation or pilot condition were provided.
Probable Cause
Official investigation findings attributed the accident to a double engine failure caused by fuel exhaustion. The investigation determined that fuel exhaustion was the direct reason for the simultaneous loss of engine power.