Authorities in North Macedonia have launched an official investigation following the crash of a small sports aircraft into Mavrovo Lake, an incident that occurred on Friday at around 12:30 local time. The aircraft was reportedly piloted by two Kosovo citizens, both of whom survived the crash and were hospitalized with injuries.
The investigation is being conducted by the Committee for the Investigation of Air Accidents and Serious Incidents (KHAAIS). Committee Chairman Marjan Prposki confirmed that the aircraft’s crew is not in life-threatening condition and that investigative teams were deployed immediately after the incident was reported.
Aircraft Details and Initial Findings
According to KHAAIS, the aircraft involved was a privately owned Piper 28 sports plane, bearing United States registration markings. While the exact cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined, preliminary information suggests technical difficulties during flight.
“The aircraft is privately owned and has U.S. registration. The crew is not in danger of losing their lives,” Prposki stated, adding that additional findings will be made public in the coming days as the investigation progresses.
Crew Identified as Kosovo Citizens
The Tetovo Regional Police Directorate (SPB Tetovë) confirmed that two Kosovo nationals, identified by their initials as J.P. (41) and D.M. (64), managed to exit the aircraft after it crashed into the lake.
- D.M., who was piloting the aircraft,
- J.P., a passenger,
Both individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital in Gostivar for medical treatment.
Police spokesperson Fatmir Rexhepi stated that the injured men are receiving care and that their condition is being monitored by medical staff.
Pilot Cites Engine Failure
In a preliminary statement given to police officers, the pilot, D.M., reported that an engine malfunction forced him to make an emergency landing on the lake. Authorities have emphasized that this claim will be carefully examined as part of the technical investigation.
Investigation Ongoing
KHAAIS investigators are expected to analyze flight data, aircraft maintenance records, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Officials have stressed that no conclusions will be drawn until the full investigation is completed.
The crash has raised renewed attention to aviation safety standards for private and sports aircraft operating in the region, particularly in mountainous and lake-dense areas such as Mavrovo.
