Accident Overview
On 4 May 2024, at approximately 21:01 local time (UTC+3), a Tecnam P2008 JC aircraft, registration YL-EVA, operated by pilot school ERIVA, performed a forced landing on the A1 highway near Ādaži, Latvia. The aircraft was on a flight from the Rīga area. On board were the pilot and passengers, none of whom were injured in the accident.
Flight Description
Earlier that day, the aircraft had completed three uneventful flights. After preparation for the next flight, the pilot departed from Ādaži airfield. At an altitude of about 1,500 feet (approximately 500 m), the engine began to run roughly. Anticipating a possible engine stoppage, the pilot decided to return, maintaining an airspeed of around 71 knots. During the return, the pilot continuously monitored fuel and oil pressure, which remained within normal limits. The pilot also activated the auxiliary electric fuel pump, carburetor heat, and switched fuel tanks. The aircraft's altitude began to decrease. Approximately one minute later, engine thrust rapidly disappeared, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing onto the A1 highway.
Because the aircraft's dimensions exceeded the width of the highway's travel lane, during landing the left wing mid-section struck a road sign on the median (Figure 2: Sign 1). The impact changed the aircraft's direction, causing it to enter the opposite lane. Continuing, the aircraft caught a second road sign with the right wing tip (Figure 2: Sign 2), breaking the navigation light. The pilot steered the aircraft to the right lane to avoid collision with vehicles and came to a stop on the roadside approximately 158 m from the landing point.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained minor structural damage: damage to the left wing mid-section and a broken navigation light on the right wing tip. The damage was deemed repairable for further operation. Additionally, the first road sign on the median was slightly damaged.
Aircraft Information
The Tecnam P2008 JC is a high-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle landing gear, single engine, and two seats. It was manufactured in Italy in 2018, serial number 1104, and registered in Latvia as YL-EVA. The aircraft was owned and operated by SIA ERIVA (pilot school). Total airframe time was 2,263 hours. The engine was a Rotax 912 S2 (serial number 4924948).
Maintenance History
The aircraft's continuing airworthiness management was handled by SIA "YourCam". On 17 June 2023, a 100-hour inspection was performed, including engine replacement and installation of a shock absorber limiter. On 24 March 2024, a five-year maintenance was carried out, involving fuel system hose replacement, engine component replacement, and other tasks. After completion on 22 April 2024, a Certificate of Release to Service was issued. The aircraft had flown approximately 6.7 hours since that maintenance, with no reported technical issues prior to the accident.
Meteorological Information
Weather data from the Rīga-University observation station for the period 20:00–21:00 on 4 May 2024 at Bukulti, Garkalne parish, Ropaži municipality, was provided but specific details are not summarized in this report.
Investigation
The Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau (TAIIB) of Latvia deployed investigators to the site. They interviewed witnesses, examined the aircraft, took fuel samples, and preserved evidence. The aircraft was evacuated, sealed, and stored at Ādaži airfield hangar for further investigation.