Autopsy of pilot (83)

Emergency in the cockpit as reason for plane crash

The small plane literally crashed on the Predigtstuhl(Bild: Feuerwehr)

Following the autopsy of the 83-year-old pilot, the cause of the tragedy on the Predigtstuhl in the Waldviertel (Lower Austria) has probably been clarified. He is said to have had massive health problems beforehand.

Around four days after the tragic death of the experienced pilot Harald "Harry" Becker (83), the cause of the crash on the Predigtstuhl in the district of Waidhofen an der Thaya has now probably been clarified. According to preliminary autopsy results, the former businessman from Weitra in the district of Gmünd had massive health problems shortly before the fatal crash. Whether a technical defect in the small plane also played a role is still unclear.

The parts of the wreckage are still being examined by experts(Bild: Feuerwehr)

An expert appointed by the public prosecutor's office started work on Wednesday and took a close look at the first parts of the wreckage. The air accident commission was also on site. Initial findings are expected on Thursday.

As reported, Becker was not only an extremely passionate pilot, but also one of the most experienced in the Union-Fliegergruppe Waldviertel with 45 years of flying experience. On Sunday, however, he was to take off for the last time. Austro Control and eyewitnesses reported the crash at around 3.30 pm. As a result, around 250 firefighters searched for the crash site in the middle of an impassable forest area in the fog and as darkness fell. However, all help came too late for the popular Waldviertel native.