Based on Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO), Regulation (EU) No. 996/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and the Law on Aviation, the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau has initiated an investigation into the aviation accident that occurred on June 19, 2024, in Babīte Parish, Mārupe Municipality, approximately three nautical miles from Riga International Airport. The accident involved a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 aircraft, registration number YL-YEA. During landing, the aircraft slid into a water-filled drainage ditch, causing significant damage to the front part of the fuselage. The pilot was unharmed, while the passenger (a parachutist) sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a medical facility.
Upon receiving information from the air traffic controller at Riga International Airport, investigators from the Bureau were dispatched to the accident site. On site, the team conducted initial assessments, interviewed witnesses, inspected the aircraft, collected a fuel sample, and took measures to preserve evidence.
After completing the necessary procedures, it was decided to transport the damaged aircraft to the Bureau’s hangar for further examination and technical investigation. Within two days, under strict safety regulations, the aircraft was carefully extracted from the drainage ditch, prepared for transport (fuel drained, engine disconnected, wing halves and horizontal stabilizer dismantled), and placed within transport dimensions. The complex operation was led by Bureau investigators and supported by technicians from the aircraft maintenance organization IA PSAC "Riga Aeroclub" and a transport company. The State Police secured the accident site during this process. The aircraft was evacuated and safely stored at the Bureau's hangar for continued investigation.
To identify possible and contributing causes of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future, and pursuant to Article 8 of Regulation (EU) No. 996/2010 and the Interagency Cooperation Agreement between the Bureau and the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA), a safety investigation group was formed. The group is led by the responsible investigator from the Bureau and includes both Bureau investigators and CAA experts.
Currently, the investigation involves collection and analysis of the aircraft’s technical documentation, flight trajectory data, technical and laboratory testing, and interviews with persons involved in the accident