Tragedy at the preaching chair: 83-year-old pilot dies in plane crash

Tragedy at the preaching chair: 83-year-old pilot dies in plane crash

On December 1st there was a tragic aircraft disaster in the Waidhofen an der Thaya district. The experienced 83-year-old pilot Harald “Harry” Becker from Weitra crashed his single-engine small aircraft during a routine flight from Krems-Gneixendorf to Dobersberg. As the crown reported, the crash was registered by Austro Control at around 3:30 p.m. after eyewitnesses called the emergency number. Despite immediate searches by around 250 firefighters, only the destroyed wreckage and the deceased pilot could be found. Becker was a well-known and popular person in his homeland, where he ran a supermarket for many years and was active in the Waldviertel Union Aviation Group.

The cause of the crash remains unclear

The first results of the autopsy indicate that Becker may have had serious health problems before the crash MyDistrict reported. It currently remains unclear whether there was a technical defect in the small aircraft. An expert commissioned by the public prosecutor's office will examine the parts of the wreckage in detail in order to clarify the exact circumstances and possible causes of the crash. The results of these investigations are expected in the coming days.

The shock over the loss of the valued pilot is deep. Becker had 45 years of flying experience and was considered one of the most experienced pilots in the region. However, his passion for flying ended on a tragic afternoon that represents a painful loss to the family and community.