Investigations in the Aua lagy: Abuse of office in focus!

Investigations in the Aua lagy: Abuse of office in focus!

Almost ten months after the hailstick, which severely damaged an AUA machine, the Vienna public prosecutor expands its investigation. As OE24 , the head and six other persons of the federal security examination agency are suspected of the abuse of office and the evidence suppression to have done. However, this does not affect all suspects to the same extent.

The incident occurred on June 9, 2024 when an Airbus A320 of the Aua got into a thunderstorm cell on the return flight of Palma de Mallorca. During the incident, an emergency call had to be discontinued with the word "Mayday". The machine finally landed safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. Fortunately, despite the serious damage, there were no injuries among the passengers.

Investigations and allegations

Three weeks ago, important evidence, including Cockpit Voice Recorder and flight data writer, was ensured in the Ministry of Transport. These records had not previously been published by the SUB. Passenger attorney Wolfgang List had submitted a presentation of the fact that the Vienna public prosecutor's office, which expresses suspicion of corruption and other criminal offenses. The Vienna indictment tested this initial suspicion and initiated an extensive investigation.

In the interim report of the SUB, the incident is classified as a "incident" and not as a "accident". Wolfgang List explicitly criticized the sub for preventing the publication of the relevant records. The head of the SUB and the other suspects have given her procedures to other institutions. International private reports have also confirmed a "serious accident".

Independent examinations and legal framework conditions

As the Federal Office for Flight Accident Investigation (BFU) explains in its guidelines, it examines accidents and serious disorders with civil aircraft in Germany. This is done regardless of the judicial or administrative procedure, whereby the focus is on accident prevention. The BFU is also active abroad when the aircraft has been registered, operated or manufactured in Germany, and the investigations are determined as part of Regulation No. 996/2010 and the flight accident investigation law. Reports from the BFU do not contain any debt or liability findings and should provide security-relevant knowledge.

An end to the investigation in Vienna is not yet foreseeable due to the complexity and the scope of the surveys. The public prosecutor's office in Korneuburg is also investigating the accusation of negligent community risk. The legal consequences could be far -reaching, especially if the allegations against the persons concerned.