An aviation accident occurred at Jämijärvi airfield on Saturday. Photo: Jussi Valli / Satakunnan Kansa
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A small aircraft crashed near the runway at Jämijärvi airfield in Satakunta, western Finland, shortly after 10:00 on Saturday morning.
Emergency services responded to the scene along Sormelantie, where the aircraft was found roughly 50 metres off the runway, at the edge of a forest.
Eyewitness Ile Jokinen, who lives nearby, saw several emergency vehicles driving toward the airfield and followed them to the site.
“At the far end of the longer runway, there is a Finnhems medical helicopter, three fire engines, and at least four ambulances,” he said.
According to Jokinen, the aircraft appeared heavily damaged but not on fire. “It looks completely wrecked,” he added, observing the scene from a distance of about 300 to 400 metres.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar indicated that a Cessna U206F Stationair 6 disappeared from radar in the area shortly after departing Tampere at 09:21. Authorities have not confirmed if this was the aircraft involved.
Local aviation association representatives informed the Finnish News Agency (STT) that the accident involved one person and occurred at or near the airfield. The identity of the person or the extent of injuries remains unconfirmed.
The Satakunta Rescue Department classified the incident as a medium-scale air traffic accident. It stated there was no indication of the aircraft falling from altitude.
Police have sealed off the airfield and nearby hangars, preventing access by the public and media. Yle journalist Pipsa Uutto-Rajakallio, reporting from the location, confirmed that officers were guarding the perimeter.
The incident did not involve aircraft or members of the Tampere parachuting or aviation clubs, according to both organisations.
Police from Southwest Finland said they would provide further information after 13:00 on Saturday. The rescue service confirmed it would not issue additional statements before that time.
The Jämijärvi airfield supports general aviation, particularly active during the summer months with light aircraft and glider operations.
In 2014, the same airfield was the site of a fatal crash that killed eight people after a light aircraft went down. Three others survived by parachuting from the aircraft before impact.
Saturday’s incident remains under investigation.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
