HELSINKI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- A two-seat ultralight aircraft crashed Saturday morning near Jamijarvi Airport in western Finland, killing the pilot and seriously injuring the passenger.

According to Southwest Finland Police, the aircraft was a center-of-gravity-controlled ultralight model. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from the Jamijarvi airfield, a popular destination for private and recreational flying.

The pilot, described as a middle-aged man, died at the scene. The sole passenger sustained serious injuries and has been transported to hospital.

According to national broadcaster Yle, police have cordoned off the airport hall and the surrounding area. An investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

Yle's meteorologist Annina Valtonen noted that local wind speeds were low when the incident occurred, ruling out weather conditions as a contributing factor.

Jamijarvi Airport experiences increased activity during the summer, attracting parachutists, glider pilots, and light aircraft enthusiasts. The Finnish Aviation Association has likened ultralight aircraft to the "Ferraris of aviation" due to their speed and lightweight construction. ■