Five individuals were killed on May 17, 2025, when two helicopters collided in mid-air and crashed in a forested area near Eura Airport in southwestern Finland. The incident occurred shortly after noon local time near Kauttua, with debris landing around 766 yards from the Ohikulkutie road.
Detective Chief Inspector Johannes Siirilä of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that “Five people have died in a helicopter accident near Eura airport on Saturday.”
Police reports indicate that the helicopters departed from Tallinn, Estonia, and were headed to a hobby aviation event at the Piikajärvi Flight Center in Kokemäki, about nine miles from Eura. One helicopter carried three passengers, while the other had two on board.
The Finnish newspaper Iltalehti spoke with witness Antti Marjanen, who saw one helicopter hit the other during a maneuver. Marjanen reported that one helicopter dropped rapidly, while the other descended more slowly, and he heard no noise from the collision.
Martin Noorsalu, a helicopter pilot and flight instructor investigating the event, stated that a separation of approximately 164 feet between helicopters in tandem flight is generally considered safe. Noorsalu mentioned that pilots need to be consistently aware of the other aircraft’s movements. The investigation will explore potential causes, including technical failure, human error, and external factors like bird strikes.
Information from the crash site showed the helicopters were found about 109 yards apart in the wooded area. Rescue teams and several police units were dispatched after the collision was reported at 12:35 p.m. local time.
Investigations reveal that the helicopters were flying at an altitude of roughly 984 feet and maintaining a distance of about 164 feet when one abruptly changed direction, resulting in the collision.
The helicopters involved were identified as Robinson R-44 models, with one registered in Estonia and the other in Austria. Both belonged to Estonian companies, with ownership attributed to NOBE and Eleon, respectively.
The deceased were reportedly Estonian business individuals traveling to the aviation event, which was planned as a day-long gathering with around 20 aircraft and 50 participants expected.
Finnish officials have cordoned off the crash area as the investigation continues. The helicopter remains were moved to Turku for a detailed examination, and autopsies of the deceased are also being conducted there.
The National Bureau of Investigation is leading a joint investigation with local police to determine the cause of the collision. Finnish authorities are collaborating with Estonian counterparts to gather more information about the passengers and pilots involved.
The Safety Investigation Authority reported that both helicopters’ flight recorders were severely damaged in the crash. One was completely destroyed, while the other ceased functioning for part of the flight, hindering access to its latest recordings.
Officials from both countries suggest the investigation may take up to 12 months to conclude as they work to ascertain whether human error, technical malfunction, or a combination of factors caused the incident.
