Medulin, Croatia: Four people were killed when a German-registered Beechcraft Bonanza G36 crashed during its final approach to Medulin airfield on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula on June 4, authorities confirmed.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft Bonanza G36 with German registration D-ENTT, had departed from Austria and was nearing its destination when it went down in the Campanož area between Kaštijun and Medulin at approximately 11:20 a.m. local time.
Croatian police, firefighters, emergency medical teams and a helicopter emergency medical service were dispatched to the scene following reports of the crash. Responders found the wreckage scattered across a field near the airfield, and all four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Early reports suggested authorities were attempting to determine the total number of people on board, but subsequent investigations confirmed that four people were traveling in the aircraft and none survived. Croatian authorities have not publicly released the identities or nationalities of the victims. However, Austrian media indicated that the four occupants were Austrian nationals.
The aircraft was manufactured in 2015 and was operating a private flight from Austria to Medulin. The identities of the victims have not been fully released by authorities.
One of the key eyewitnesses, retired pilot Nijaz Delić, said the aircraft appeared to be flying normally before suddenly entering a spiral descent from an altitude of about 300 meters. He stated that the pilot appeared to attempt a recovery before the aircraft disappeared behind trees and impacted the ground. Witnesses reported hearing a heavy impact but no explosion.
The Croatian Air, Maritime and Railway Traffic Accident Investigation Agency has launched a formal investigation into the accident. Agency Director Alana Vukić said investigators are examining all available evidence to determine the circumstances of the crash.
Authorities noted that aircraft of this category typically do not carry flight data recorders, meaning investigators will rely on physical evidence from the crash site, maintenance documentation, operational records, flight information and witness statements. Austrian authorities are expected to assist in the investigation.
Officials have not identified a cause for the accident, and investigators have urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the aircraft’s maintenance history, technical condition or crew actions until the inquiry is completed.
A preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days, while the full safety investigation is likely to take several months.
The crash is among the deadliest general aviation accidents in Croatia in recent years and occurred only a short distance from the aircraft’s intended landing point at Medulin airfield.
