What happened
An incident involving the unauthorized use of a single engine aircraft occurred when the plane was taken from its parking position at Saldus Airport in Latvia. The pilot, acting without authorization, operated the aircraft across Soviet airspace with the intent of reaching Sweden.
As the flight approached Gotland Island, the pilot performed an emergency ditching in the sea, landing the aircraft a few dozen meters away from the coastline. Following the impact, the pilot managed to swim to the shore, where he was subsequently rescued and formally requested political asylum.
Findings
- The aircraft was recovered from the water following the incident.
- The theft of the aircraft served as the primary driver for the flight sequence.
- The airframe was eventually moved to the Gotland Förvarsmuseum for preservation.