The Korneuburg public prosecutor's office is investigating the allegation of negligent endangerment in the case of the AUA hail flight. A conclusion to the investigation is "not foreseeable." The investigations are "very extensive," explained the authority's spokeswoman, Gudrun Bischof, on Monday in response to an APA inquiry.

AUA Hail Flight: Investigations into Possible Endangerment

The main focus is on whether AUA failed to provide pilots with training on the functionality of the weather radar. The suspicion is based on information that an expert is said to have received from a pilot. AUA rejects the allegations. The airline emphasizes that significantly more training than legally required is conducted. There are no gaps in the training and education of pilots. An AUA Airbus A320 encountered a thunderstorm cell and thus severe turbulence on June 9, 2024, while en route from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna. Initially, the emergency call "Mayday" was issued. Nevertheless, the aircraft landed safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport, and no passengers were injured. However, the aircraft showed damage.

Report of Suspected Abuse of Office After AUA Hail Flight

According to Austro Control, the storm was known. This raised the question of whether the pilots had underestimated the situation. In addition to an internal investigation, AUA requested an external review from the Federal Safety Investigation Authority (SUB). According to AUA, the cockpit crew stated that the thunderstorm cell was not visible on the weather radar. Austro Control found no violation of regulatory requirements regarding pilot training. Meanwhile, a report of suspected abuse of office against the head of the investigation authority (SUB) and three AUA safety officials has been filed with the Vienna public prosecutor's office. Authority spokeswoman Nina Bussek confirmed to the APA the factual report submitted by a lawyer. However, Bussek dismissed recent media reports that spoke of an investigation into abuse of office and favoritism. "Currently, there is no investigation. It is being examined whether there is sufficient initial suspicion and whether investigations should be initiated," said the spokeswoman.

(APA/Red)

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