Stolen helicopter linked to Olympic champion traced to Croatia

The stolen helicopter (Photo credit: Manuel Aster)

A helicopter linked to Austrian Olympic ski-jumping champion Thomas Morgenstern was stolen from a hangar in Austria before being traced to Croatian airspace, with its whereabouts still unknown.

The Robinson R44 disappeared from Mauterndorf airfield in Austria in the early hours of 28 September. Its owner, businessman Manuel Aster, is now appealing for information from the public, pilots, airports and aviation companies worldwide.

According to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Morgenstern had flown the helicopter himself just hours before it was stolen. The former ski-jumping star operates the aircraft through his company for sightseeing and experience flights.

The helicopter, registration OE-XHK, is dark blue with yellow details and prominent Breitling branding.

Break-in and overnight flight

Police said unidentified individuals entered the hangar after forcing their way through a rear door. They moved the helicopter outside using a ground-handling trolley before returning the trolley and preparing the aircraft for departure.

A flying club member heard the helicopter being started at around 1:50 a.m. and, after being unable to reach the usual pilot, discovered signs of the break-in.

Salzburg’s criminal investigation department is leading the investigation, with Austro Control and the Austrian armed forces also involved.

Aster initially thought the reports might have been a joke. He said he was contacted during the night and only realised what had happened after receiving photographs showing the damaged hangar.

Trail leads to Croatia

Austrian authorities detected the helicopter several times despite its transponder reportedly being switched off.

According to Austrian media reports, the reconstructed flight path led from Styria towards Bleiburg in Carinthia and then onwards towards Croatia.

ORF reported that police confirmed the helicopter had been detected in Croatia, although they did not disclose its precise location for investigative reasons. Austrian broadcaster ORF previously reported that the last confirmed detection was in Croatian airspace near the island of Pag.

Croatian media have also reported the Pag connection, although the precise location of the aircraft has not been publicly confirmed by police.

Investigators are examining radar and flight data to establish where the helicopter travelled after entering Croatia.

(Photo credit: Manuel Aster)

Fuel taken from airfield

The circumstances of the theft have raised further questions.

Austrian reports said around 365 litres of fuel were taken from the airfield’s fuel facility, considerably more than the helicopter’s reported tank capacity of about 170 litres. The owner said the aircraft was not equipped for night flying.

The circumstances suggest that the people involved had aviation knowledge, although investigators have not publicly identified any suspects.

(Photo credit: Kronen Zeitung/Supplied)

Public appeal

Aster is asking people internationally to report any information to police that could help locate the aircraft.

Pilots, airfields, maintenance companies, aircraft dealers and members of the public are being asked to look out for the distinctive blue-and-yellow Robinson R44, particularly any unusual sightings, landings, transport movements or potential sales offers.

The identity of those responsible and the helicopter’s current location remain unknown.