Stolen Helicopter From Mauterndorf: What We Know
A professional group is suspected of stealing a helicopter from a hangar in Mauterndorf. The investigation is ongoing as authorities track the missing aircraft.
Quick facts
- The stolen helicopter is a Robinson R44 with the registration OE-XHK.
- The aircraft was last tracked near the island of Pag, Croatia, at 4:20 a.m. on Monday.
- The helicopter left Austrian airspace shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Monday.
Why it matters
The incident highlights vulnerabilities at small, regional airfields where security infrastructure may not be as robust as at major international airports. The ability of the perpetrators to cross international borders undetected suggests a high level of coordination. It remains to be seen if the investigation will lead to recovery or if the aircraft has been dismantled or hidden.
A high-profile theft of a helicopter from a hangar in Mauterndorf, Salzburg, has triggered an international investigation. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 with the registration OE-XHK, was reported missing on Monday morning. The helicopter is owned by a local restaurateur and operated by the company of former professional athlete Thomas Morgenstern.
What happened during the theft?
The theft occurred during the early hours of Monday. According to reports, the perpetrators managed to bypass security at the Mauterndorf airfield. Thomas Morgenstern stated that he initially suspected a mistake or a hidden camera prank when he first heard about the empty hangar, but authorities have since confirmed the incident as a criminal matter.
Where is the helicopter now?
Investigators are currently reviewing radar data to determine the flight path taken by the thieves. While the helicopter's onboard tracking systems were deactivated, authorities confirmed that the machine left Austrian airspace shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Monday. The last confirmed location for the aircraft was over the island of Pag in Croatia at 4:20 a.m. the same day.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The police and the Austrian Armed Forces are working together to analyze flight tracks and gathered evidence. As of Wednesday, no suspects have been identified. Authorities noted that the search is complex due to the deliberate disabling of the helicopter's tracking systems. Further details regarding the investigation are being withheld for tactical reasons.
Frequently asked questions
What type of helicopter was stolen?
The stolen aircraft is a Robinson R44 model, registered under the identification OE-XHK. It was stored at a hangar at the Mauterndorf airfield in the Lungau region of Salzburg before it disappeared.
Who is the owner of the helicopter?
The helicopter is owned by a restaurateur from the Pongau region. The aircraft was operated by a company owned by former professional ski jumper Thomas Morgenstern.
When was the helicopter last seen?
The last confirmed location of the aircraft was over the island of Pag in Croatia. It was tracked there at 4:20 a.m. on Monday, shortly after it exited Austrian airspace.
Have the suspects been caught?
As of Wednesday, police have not identified or apprehended any suspects in connection with the theft. The investigation remains active, with authorities analyzing radar data and flight paths.
Why is the search for the helicopter difficult?
The search is challenging because the perpetrators deactivated the helicopter's onboard tracking and location systems. Authorities must now rely on historical radar data to reconstruct the flight path.
Was the helicopter intercepted by the military?
Reports indicate that while the Austrian Armed Forces were aware of the aircraft's presence, they did not intercept the helicopter before it left the country's airspace.
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Last checked Oct 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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