Croatian authority cites fuel shortage as cause of plane crash with four Austrian victims

The investigators found that in the flight phase immediately before the crash there were no discernible indications of technical or communications problems. "Auch in dieser Flugphase gab es keine Anzeichen für mögliche Schwierigkeiten," the preliminary report states. Likewise, the records of the flight route and the pilot's communication with air traffic control gave no indication of potential problems.

Preliminary findings by investigators

As the most probable cause, AIN cites a "Triebwerksausfall des Luftfahrzeugs aufgrund von Treibstoffmangel und missglückter Notlandung". This brings a combination of faulty fuel planning and a failed attempt at an emergency landing into the focus of the investigation.

"Weder die Aufzeichnungen der Flugroute des Flugzeugs noch die Aufzeichnungen der Kommunikation des Piloten mit der Flugsicherung deuten auf potenzielle Probleme hin," the preliminary report continues. The experts nevertheless base their assessment on the technical analysis of the wreckage and the traces at the accident site.

The four fatalities are Austrian citizens. AIN initially provided no further information on their identities or possible connections to one another. The authorities have also not commented in detail on the purpose of the flight from East Tyrol to Istria.

Victims and background of the flight

The investigation has not yet been completed. According to AIN, a final report is to be published after the conclusion of the investigation, which will contain the definitive cause and possible recommendations to the aviation authorities. Until then, the preliminary information remains subject to confirmation.

Final report still pending

Medulin airfield, a small sports airfield on the Istrian peninsula near the city of Pula, is used predominantly by private and sports pilots. The region is a popular destination among pilots from Austria and Germany for weekend flights across the Alps and along the Adriatic coast.