A midair collision between two helicopters near Eura airfield in Finland has resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two of Estonia’s prominent business figure — Oleg Snajalg, 58, a wind energy pioneer, and Priit Jaagant, 52, an Estonian business executive.
The aircraft, both lightweight four-seater helicopters, were en route from Tallinn to a private aviation gathering in Finland when the fatal collision occurred.. Estonian businessman Vaino Kaldoja, founder of Silberauto, confirmed the involvement of the two men to the local media.
“Priit Jaagant had his own helicopter and Oleg Snajalg had his. They collided with each other,” Kaldoja said.
According to authorities, five people were aboard the two aircraft—three in one and two in the other. Estonian public broadcaster ERR, citing initial information from the country’s foreign ministry, reported that no one survived the crash.
OLEG SNAJALG: WIND ENERGY PIONEER AND ENTREPRENEUR
Oleg Snajalg, along with his brother Andres, played a key role in propelling Estonia towards renewable energy. Their company, Eleon, was behind the development of the Aidu wind farm, which marked a big step for the nation’s wind power sector.
Oleg Snajalg was often seen in the Estonian media, not just for his business ventures but also for speaking openly about personal matters. He used to piloting the aircraft often. He was operating a Robinson R44 registered as ES-ETR at the time of the crash
PRIIT JAAGANT: CHAIRMAN OF MAPRI EHITUS
Priit Jaagant was the head of Mapri Ehitus, the largest construction company group in Estonia. His firm also confirmed his and his wife, Lilit Jaagant, who was also on board.
“We regret to inform you that today, at noon on May 17, two Estonian helicopters crashed in Finland, killing Priit Jaagant, the chairman of the board of one of Estonia’s largest construction company groups, Mapri, and his wife Lilit Jaagant. According to unconfirmed reports, there are no survivors,” the company announced.
The second helicopter involved in the crash was an Austrian-registered Robinson helicopter with the registration OE-XOS. Jaagant, who had no official aviation background, was said to be flying his aircraft.
Emergency crews responded quickly. One of the helicopters was said to have burst into flames upon impact, aiding rescuers in finding the location. The area was secured by the Finnish Defence Forces, and a full investigation is currently being led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into why the helicopter crashed.
Organisers of the Piikajrvi Airfield, the site of the crash, said that the two helicopters belonged to a fleet of about 20 aircraft and 50 participants flying from Estonia for a weekend aviation festival.
“We knew they were en route. Some of the others arrived, but some didn’t,” said Ari Pullinen, chairman of the Pori Aviation Club told local media.