Small plane crashed in Lake Attersee: Police locate wreckage at great depth

According to police, the crashed aircraft is a two-seater of type Tecnam P2002JFS. The propeller plane crashed into the lake on Wednesday at 11:25 a.m. for reasons still unclear and subsequently sank. Witnesses reported hearing an engine failure shortly before the crash, police added.

Operation at the lake's deepest point

Lake Attersee, located in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut region, is a popular training area for glider and motor pilots. The lake, covering around 47 square kilometers, is one of the deepest inland bodies of water in Austria; depths well over 100 meters are recorded at its deepest point. This topography poses particular challenges for emergency services when recovering aircraft wreckage.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. In such cases, the Austrian Safety Investigation Authority for civil aviation is typically called in to investigate incidents independently of the police. Among other things, technical defects in the engine, possible maintenance shortcomings, and weather and visibility conditions at the time of the accident are being examined.

Investigation into the cause of the crash

After the incident became known, several Austrian media outlets, including ORF, reported on the crash. The discovery of the wreckage and the possible engine failure were also discussed on social networks. The operation command coordinated the recovery work together with the water rescue service and the fire department.

The exact departure and destination airfield of the small plane, as well as the identity and number of occupants, were initially not publicly confirmed by the authorities. Police announced that further information would be provided as soon as the ongoing investigations and the recovery of the wreckage allowed. Relatives and witnesses were asked to contact the police.

Background: Small planes over the Salzkammergut

The incident is reminiscent of earlier aviation accidents in the region, in which small planes crashed into Upper Austrian lakes. There too, recovery proved complex due to water depth and, in some cases, poor visibility. Experts stress that the training of student pilots and the maintenance of older propeller aircraft must continue to be closely monitored.

According to rescue services' assessment, the recovery of the Tecnam two-seater at what is likely the deepest point of Lake Attersee is expected to take several days. Until then, the exact sequence of events of the accident remains open. Police and the responsible investigation authority are asking the public for understanding regarding possible closures in the lake area.

According to police, the accident site had initially only been narrowed down. The precise localization of the wreckage was not achieved until Thursday. This also brings closer the question of why the engine reportedly failed shortly before impact with the lake, according to witness statements. The results of the technical investigation are expected in the coming weeks.