So it was not just a “minor breakdown”: the Christophorus 1, which was transported by rope from the Tyrolean Axamer Lizum on Saturday, slipped during the attempt to land. During the successful attempt to rescue the helicopter, a system on the helicopter became overloaded. Can the rescue even take place while skiing was in progress?
“After landing, a warning light came on. A flight was no longer possible.” For example, Ralph Schüller, spokesperson for ÖAMTC air rescue, explained last weekend why Christophorus 1 was stuck in the Axamer Lizum ski area on Friday. Many witnessed the spectacular rescue by a Swiss transport helicopter live on Saturday. Cell phone videos went viral (see one below).
Assumption confirmed
Of course – as the “Tiroler Krone” was able to discover, there had been a delicate incident before during the landing attempt. “The helicopter slid backwards during landing,” Schüller confirmed Monday morning to the “Tiroler Krone”, a suspicion of Roy Knaus, the head of Heli Austria and “Martin Flugrettung”.
“The situation was uncomfortable, but it was defused by the pilot’s correct response,” says Schüller. However, a so-called “mast moment overload” occurred – the helicopter had to stay on the ground. Knaus is annoyed that, in his opinion, Schüller misrepresented the incident and manipulated the public.
Transport helicopter from faraway Switzerland
The ÖAMTC then commissioned the company Wucher from Vorarlberg to transport the defective machine. And she flew a helicopter from faraway Switzerland to the Axamer Lizum. “We had a suitable machine ready in Hochgurgl”, Knaus is surprised. This has probably led to many – not particularly climate-friendly – air miles and high costs. “They are covered by insurance,” emphasizes Ralph Schüller.
Did the rescue have to happen at all?
Knaus also has no understanding of the rescue during the opening hours of the ski area and via a cable car route. “If we had done that, we would probably have been pilloried,” says the aircraft operator.
Finally, an explosive detail: according to rumors, the salvage was not approved at all.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
