Aircraft crash near Tukums during approach to airshow

1 fatality • Tukums, Latvia • Landing (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hillside near Tukums, Latvia, during a weather-impacted approach, resulting in eight injuries and the death of the pilot.

What happened

A twin-engine aircraft departed Riga, bound for Tukums to participate in an airshow, carrying eight individuals. During the flight, deteriorating weather conditions prompted several other aircraft traveling to the same destination to abort their missions and return to their points of origin.

As the aircraft approached runway 32 at Tukums Airport, the pilot encountered significantly reduced visibility. Because the runway could not be visually identified, a go-around was performed. Following several attempts, a second approach was initiated under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During this maneuver, the aircraft descended too low and collided with a hill. The impact caused the plane to break into two pieces before coming to rest in a private garden.

Findings

The accident resulted in eight injuries, with several passengers sustaining serious harm. The pilot later succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash. The primary factor in the accident was the inability to maintain visual contact with the runway due to poor visibility during the VFR approach.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted a visual approach in deteriorating weather conditions, leading to a low-altitude collision with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-08-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Tukums, Latvia?

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hillside near Tukums, Latvia, during a weather-impacted approach, resulting in eight injuries and the death of the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 2008-08-16 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-08-16 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration YL-CCX, operated by Air Training, at Tukums, Latvia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted a visual approach in deteriorating weather conditions, leading to a low-altitude collision with terrain.

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