Small plane crash in Lower Austria: pilot dead, cause unclear!

Small plane crash in Lower Austria: pilot dead, cause unclear!

On April 9, 2025, a tragic incident at the Völtendorf airfield near St. Pölten, Lower Austria occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. A 76-year-old pilot, who was the only inmate on board the two-seater small aircraft, lost control during the flight and fell into a group of trees. The plane caught fire and was hardly recognizable as a machine after the crash, said fire brigade spokesman Klaus Stebal.

The emergency services were immediately alerted, and a large contingent of helpers, including the crime scene group of the State Criminal Police Office in Lower Austria and the flight accident commission, was on site. Fortunately, no other people were injured. The pilot, an experienced plane from St. Pölten, had hand over flight experience.

examinations and security protocols

The investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway, with the federal security testing agency playing a central role. This institution is subject to the Federal Ministry and is both functionally and organizationally regardless of other authorities and parties. The aim is to determine the exact cause of the incident to develop suitable security measures and prevent similar accidents in the future.

The examinations focus on events in which the cause appears to be unknown or in which new knowledge is expected. The security testing agency is working to create a detailed investigation report that should be completed within 12 months if possible. Before the final publication, affected people have the opportunity to comment.

Airfield Völtendorf and its importance

The Völtendorf airfield is home to the St. Pölten aircraft club and is located directly on the B39. It is an important location for general aviation in the region. However, incidents such as the current crash raise questions about security in aviation and can have an impact on the perception of such airfields.

like orf nö reports, the crash examination provides additional attention. Experts and the public will follow exactly how the investigation will take place and which measures are recommended to improve security in future aviation.