Riga - Tukums

On August 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM, Riga - Tukums experienced a crash involving Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, operated by Air Training, with the event recorded near Tukums Semigallia (Zemgale).

The flight was categorized as private and the reported phase was landing (descent or approach) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

8 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 7 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 12.5%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 1, passengers on board: 7, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.

The listed crash cause is human factor. The twin engine aircraft departed Riga on a flight to Tukums with eight people on board to take part to an airshow. Several others aircraft were also en route to Tukums but most of the pilots returned to their departure point due to the deterioration of the weather conditions. On approach to Tukums Airport runway 32, the pilot encountered poor visibility. Unable to establish a visual contact with the runway, he initiated a go-around procedure. After several circuits, he attempted a second approach under VFR mode. Too low, the aircraft struck a hill and eventually crashed in a private garden, coming to rest broken in two. All eight occupants were injured, some seriously. Few hours later, the pilot died from his injuries.

Aircraft reference details include registration YL-CCX, MSN 31-647, year of manufacture 1970.