The horror flight of the AUA machine with flight number OS434 on June 9, 2024 is now a matter for the Public Prosecution Service. According to a Viennese lawyer, the fact that the plane was in distress due to huge hailstorms could be a case of negligence for the public.
The 173 passengers and four crew members will probably never forget the flight from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna. A stricken passenger described the horror to the “Krone”: “We went down abruptly, it really hit us for a few seconds and it made a rumble. Then I saw pieces of plastic flying past,” reports Manuel H. from Upper Austria.
Frightened flight becomes a matter for the judiciary
Now the horror flight becomes a matter for the public prosecutor. According to the “Kurier”, the Viennese lawyer Wolfgang List sent a statement of facts for two of those affected to the Korneuburg public prosecutor’s office. The charge: negligently endangering the public – punishable by up to one year in prison.
Forwarded to the Graz Public Prosecutor’s Office
The spokesman for the Korneuburg Public Prosecutor’s Office, Josef Mechtler, confirmed receipt of the statement of facts on Friday. However, the complaint will not be processed by the Korneuburg Public Prosecutor’s Office. It was forwarded to the local public prosecutor’s office in Graz. “The storm cell was located in the Graz Public Prosecutor’s Office district,” Mechtler explained in an interview with the APA.
Although the complaint is against unknown individuals, the allegations most likely related to the two pilots. The AUA confirmed to krone.at on Friday that they were already aware of the events, but: “The facts are still unknown to us. So far, Austrian Airlines has only been informed about this issue through media inquiries. We therefore ask for your understanding that we cannot comment on this.”
Were the pilots negligent?
Shortly after the incident, the airline faced critical accusations. The key question was, among other things, whether the pilots had misjudged the situation. According to Austro Control, responsible for the safe and economic operation of air traffic in domestic airspace, the storm was known.
In this context, the AUA itself emphasizes that it does not want to draw hasty conclusions: “We ask for your understanding that we do not comment on ongoing investigations and are awaiting the results of the investigation.”
The Airbus A320, en route from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna, ended up in the thunder cell above Hartberg in Styria on June 9. First the emergency call “Mayday” was made. The plane landed safely at Vienna Airport and no one was injured.
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.
