DEN08WA149

On August 15, 2008 at 1014 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-200, Finland registration OH-PDY, broke up in flight while maneuvering in clouds and subsequently crashed into Lake Saimaa in Taipalsaari, Finland. The airplane was destroyed and the three persons on board, a flight instructor and two student pilots, were killed. Marginal visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight originated at Kuopio Airport (EFKU), Kuopio, Finland, and was to land at Lappeenranta Airport (EFLP), Lappeenranta, Finland. The pilot had received clearance to the Northern Training Area at Lappeenranta TMA. An eye-witness reported that an airplane had crashed into Lake Saimaa. Several persons had seen the airplane coming out of the clouds and crashing into the lake. Approximately 30 seconds to a minute after the airplane crashed, they reported seeing three large pieces descending slowly to the lake. Weather conditions at Kuopio at the time of the accident were 1,500 scattered and light rain showers, 4,500 broken, 5 miles visibility, winds 240 degrees at 12 knots, temperature 63 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 59 degrees F, and altimeter 29.71 inches. This investigation is under the jurisdiction and control of the Finnish government. Any further information may be obtained from: Accident Investigation Board Finland Sornaisten rantatie 33C FIN-00580 Helsinki Finland This report is for informational purposes only and contains only information released by, or obtained from, the AIB of Finland.