The ÖAMTC rescue helicopter Christophorus 1 is normally used when people urgently need help. On Saturday, January 7, 2023, the helicopter itself needed help because it had to be "towed" by a Swiss transport helicopter.

The Christophorus 1 suffered a technical defect in the Axamer Lizum. According to the ÖAMTC, some warning lights lit up during an operation on Friday, which meant that the pilot was no longer allowed to take off for safety reasons. Another helicopter was requested for the injured patient. Technicians “came to the rescue” with the malfunctioning helicopter, but it was quickly concluded that the problems could not be fixed on the spot.

It was decided that the Christophorus 1 would have to be towed. A transport helicopter from Switzerland was commissioned for this purpose. Due to the geographical location, a salvage by truck was not possible. The ÖAMTC helicopter was attached to the other helicopter using wire ropes and thus transported to Innsbruck.

Such "flights" are not commonplace. According to the ÖAMTC, it often happens that the aircraft cannot be flown due to technical defects, but in most cases the rescue can then be carried out with trucks. This time it was only possible by air due to the fact that Christophorus 1 went "AOG" in the middle of the Axamer Lizum ski area. The problems are solved by technical specialists in the Tyrolean state capital Innsbruck.

The video below, published on the social media portal Tik Tok, shows the recovery of the Christophorus 1.