Drama in Germany – plane crash: ex-Austria-Salzburg coach dead


In a tragic aircraft accident on Wednesday afternoon in the East Thuringian Gefell (Saale-Orla district in Germany), a small aircraft registered in Austria crashed. The pilot, the former Austria-Salzburg coach Thomas Klochan (48), was killed. The machine may have collided with a wind turbine.

The single-engine Piper PA-28-161 machine was underway between Gebersreuth and Misslareuth at around 2 p.m. Thick fog prevailed when it came to the fatal collision of the aircraft with the wind turbine. A huge field of rubble was created. Thomas Klochan, originally from Upper Austria – he worked as goalkeeper and assistant coach at Austria Salzburg from summer 2012 to the end of 2015 and also acted as coach in Grödig and Henndorf – died in the plane crash.

Site of the accident cordoned off over a large area
“Numerous rescue workers from the fire brigade, paramedics and police are currently in action,” said police superintendent Cindy Beyer (46) from the state police department in Saalfeld opposite the “image”. The helpers obtained an overview of the accident area using a drone. It is still unclear whether there were other people on board the aircraft. The site of the accident was cordoned off over a large area. The investigations on site are ongoing.

“Our thoughts are with his family”
“We will have fond memories of Jeffy as an extremely cheerful, unique person, trainer and Austrian. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, ”said Austria on Facebook. The HLSZ Rif was also deeply affected. The 48-year-old was employed there as a deputy commander for many years.