Helicopter of Olympic champion Thomas Morgenstern stolen in Austria

A Robinson R44 helicopter, valued at approximately 600,000 euros, was stolen from a hangar at Mauterndorf Airport in Austria during the night of September 27-28. The aircraft is used by the company of former Olympic ski jumper Thomas Morgenstern and is owned by entrepreneur Manuel Aster.

Investigators believe the theft was a highly professional operation. The perpetrators broke into the hangar, disabled security cameras, and physically removed the transponder and emergency locator transmitter (ELT) to avoid detection. They also reportedly siphoned 365 liters of aviation fuel to extend the aircraft's range.

The helicopter was tracked flying south through Austrian airspace. The last known radar contact was recorded around 4:20 AM over the island of Pag in Croatia. Authorities, including the Salzburg criminal police, Austro Control, and the Austrian Armed Forces, are conducting an intensive search. There is speculation that the thieves may be heading toward Albania or North Macedonia.