Two dead after small plane crashes into Austria's Attersee

A small propeller plane crashed into Austria's Attersee lake near Steinbach on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Police confirmed on Thursday that two deceased individuals were discovered in the cockpit of the aircraft after it was located at a depth of 160 meters.

The two-seater P2002JFS aircraft plunged into the lake around 11:25 AM for reasons yet to be determined and sank immediately. Media reports suggest the occupants were a 20-year-old flight student and his 25-year-old instructor, both reportedly German nationals who had departed from Salzburg earlier that day.

The search for the wreckage involved multiple fire departments, police, a rescue helicopter, and the Red Cross. Dive robots and sonar equipment were used to locate the plane, which was found approximately 300 meters from the shore.

Recovery operations are scheduled for Saturday. Police stated that Friday's weather forecast, which includes thunderstorms, is too unstable for an earlier recovery. Authorities will provide further information on the occupants once the aircraft has been successfully retrieved from the lake.