Plane crash at Kasberg with 4 deaths: What is known so far

2023-11-26 09:07:00

As reported, the aircraft – a single-engine Rockwell Commander 112B – crashed in the Grünau im Almtal area (Gmunden district) at lunchtime on Saturday. The small aircraft had taken off from Pribram between Prague and Pilsen in the Czech Republic and was on its way to Medulin in Istria. The two men and two women are probably Czech citizens. Police spokeswoman Barbara Riedl said the police are working hard to identify the victims beyond doubt.

There were bad weather conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot probably lost control of the machine in the wind and snowstorm. DThe plane probably flew in a zigzag course over the Kasberg, as can be seen here. The aviation safety authority Austro Control no longer saw the small aircraft on the radar and raised the alarm.

The emergency services were informed of the crash at around 12 p.m. Immediately eA search operation was initiated by the Alpine police, mountain rescue, aviation police, emergency medical helicopter “Martin 3” and rescue workers as well as the fire department. However, due to the snowstorm, the aerial search had to be stopped after a short time.

The aerial search had to be canceled due to the storm.
Image: TEAM FOTOKERSCHI / RAUSCHER

Alpine police and mountain rescue searched the Alpine terrain extensively. The helpers went up in the ski area’s gondolas and continued their search with snow groomers and ski doos. However, the fresh snow, which was up to 70 centimeters high in the steep terrain, made the operation more difficult. At around 1.30 p.m. the emergency services managed to locate wreckage near the Sepp Huber Hut on Kasberg. The fuselage of the crashed plane was finally discovered around 4 p.m. The four occupants could only be rescued dead.

Kasberg plane crash claims four lives — Parts of the wreck in deep snow-covered terrain
Image: TEAM FOTOKERSCHI.AT / Kirchdorf fire department drone group

Wreckage is being examined

Investigations into the identities of the four victims are currently underway. The Wels public prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy and the seizure of the aircraft wreckage. The State Criminal Police Office has taken over the investigation. Police spokeswoman Riedl emphasized that the police are working closely with their Czech colleagues to identify the victims. An expert was also requested who, together with the Aircraft Accident Commission and the investigators from the State Criminal Police Office, will examine and examine the wreckage over the next few days in order to find out further information about the reason for the crash. The recovery of the aircraft wreckage is planned for Monday – weather permitting.