A Beechcraft G36 Bonanza entered a spin and crashed on approach to Medulin airfield in Croatia on June 4. The accident claimed the lives of four Austrian nationals who were the only occupants of the German-registered aircraft.
The 2015-model plane, identified by its registration D-ENTT, had departed from a location near Lienz, Austria. It was on final approach to the LDPM sports airfield when the incident happened at approximately 11:15 local time. The wreckage came to rest in a forested or field area close to the airfield.
Croatian police confirmed the four fatalities at the scene. The Austrian Foreign Ministry stated that the victims were Austrian nationals through an official statement via APA.
An eyewitness who observed the event told HRT Croatian broadcaster that the Beechcraft Bonanza light aircraft went into a spin while approaching the Medulin airfield. This account provides the only immediate description of the aircraft's final moments.
Authorities in Croatia have initiated a formal investigation into the general aviation accident. The cause remains unknown as of June 5, 2026, with investigators focusing on all possible factors. The Aviation Safety Network has documented the event as resulting in four fatalities.
Additional reporting from AvioRadar and HINA through Associated Press corroborated the basic facts of the crash. The ongoing probe will seek to determine what led to the loss of control during the approach phase. Updates are expected as more information becomes available from the examination of the site.
The incident highlights risks in general aviation during approach phases. Investigators continue examining wreckage and records for clues.
Local emergency teams responded quickly to secure the area after the crash.
