Storm threat postpones recovery of plane from Lake Attersee

ORF reported that the recovery of a crashed aircraft from Lake Attersee was postponed on Saturday afternoon because of the threat of severe weather. A new attempt is planned for Sunday.

The two-seat aircraft belonging to a Salzburg flight school crashed into the lake on Wednesday for reasons that remain unclear and sank rapidly.

Preparatory work for the technically difficult recovery at a depth of 163 metres is continuing. The two people who died are believed to still be inside the wreck. They were a 19-year-old student pilot and her 24-year-old flight instructor, both from Germany.

Experts have described the recovery as exceptionally challenging. Underwater robots will attach cables to the aircraft, which will then be lifted using special balloons. During the final stage beneath the surface, specialist divers from the fire service and water rescue service will accompany and monitor the operation.