Recovery of the crashed small aircraft in Lake Attersee has begun

Indications of German occupants

ORF had already reported on the crash over the weekend. According to investigators, the aircraft crashed into Lake Attersee on Saturday. The region is popular with glider pilots and tourists, and several small airfields are located on the lake. Which airport was the departure or destination of the aircraft initially remained unclear.

According to the authorities, the recovery operations are complex because the wreckage lies on the bottom of the lake at a depth of several meters. The police established an exclusion zone around the accident site. Boats and helicopters were deployed to secure the area and coordinate the recovery.

The Wels Public Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation, as the incident falls within its jurisdiction. As APA further reported, aviation accident experts were also involved. The goal is to lift the wreckage professionally and subsequently secure evidence regarding the cause of the crash.

Complex recovery on the lake bed

On Monday evening, ORF also reported that cables had been attached to the wreckage prior to the recovery in order to pull it to the surface. Previously, the wreckage had been located and secured with the help of divers. According to these accounts, the operation dragged on for several hours.

The responsible authorities announced that further information on the course of events and the victims would be published after the recovery. Until the identity is clarified and possible next of kin are notified, no names will be released. The German Embassy in Vienna was also informed, according to APA.

Investigations under the lead of the Wels Public Prosecutor's Office

Lake Attersee is one of the largest lakes in the Salzkammergut and a well-known tourist destination. Aircraft accidents in the region are rare, but there have repeatedly been smaller incidents involving sports and private aircraft in the past. The ongoing investigation is to clarify why the aircraft crashed into the lake this time.

ORF, APA, and several regional media are on site for ongoing coverage. German broadcasters also reported on the incident over the weekend, including BR24 as part of its news programs. According to the authorities, the recovery itself is expected to last until around the middle of the week.

Once the recovery is complete, the wreckage will be transported to a hangar for further examination. There, specialists will examine flight recorders, where available, as well as the fuselage and engines. Only thereafter do the investigators expect reliable statements on the cause of the accident.