The Finnish Accident Investigation Center (OTKES) has completed its investigation into the October 2024 plane crash in Räyskälä, Loppela, which resulted in the deaths of two passengers aboard. The investigation revealed that the aircraft's engine failed shortly after takeoff due to a lack of fuel. Specifically, a component in the fuel tank valve had likely deteriorated over the years, which restricted fuel flow to the engine.

Moreover, significant play in the linkage between the fuel tank selector and the valve allowed the component to become misaligned, leading to a depletion of the carburetor and subsequent engine failure. Research director Janne Kotiranta mentioned in the press release that the aircraft had experienced engine issues the evening before the crash, but troubleshooting efforts had focused on the propeller control systems, overlooking the fuel system issues.

This unfortunate accident highlights the critical importance of thorough maintenance checks in aviation and underlines the potential consequences of neglecting detailed inspections of fuel systems. The incident serves as a reminder to the aviation industry to ensure that even less apparent aspects of aircraft maintenance receive the attention they deserve to prevent similar tragedies in the future.