The Safety Investigation Authority Finland (SIAF) is investigating a Jan. 4 accident in which the pilot of a Gulfstream G150 died of injuries he suffered on the ramp at Kittilä Airport in northern Finland while opening the door of the parked business jet. The door to the apparently pressurized aircraft “flew open” with “explosive force” when the pilot, who was to serve as the flight’s captain, was opening the door from the outside, SIAF said.
A forensic investigation and tests on the aircraft revealed that excess pressure had formed inside the cabin, which caused the door to fly open with such force, SIAF said, adding that it is reviewing the functioning, operating practices and instructions for cabin pressurization. SIAF also will analyze data from the cabin audio recorder and the plane’s flight recorder, and expects the investigation to be completed in six to 12 months.
The accident airplane is owned by Private Airlines Germany GmbH, SIAF said.
