‘Drunk’ pilot steals plane, flies into no-fly zone before crash-landing in sunflower field
The aircraft made an emergency landing in a sunflower field around four miles from the nuclear facility. The plane suffered extensive damage, but the pilot was able to escape without sustaining injuries.
A 24-year-old man allegedly stole a Cessna 172 aircraft in Hungary and flew it into a restricted airspace near the country’s only nuclear power plant before the plane crash-landed in a sunflower field. The man was intoxicated when the incident occurred.
The aircraft was detected by military radar after entering the no-fly zone around the Paks nuclear power plant in southern Hungary, according to a social media post from the Hungarian Minister of Defense, Dr. Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi. Civilian aircraft are prohibited from operating within roughly two miles of the facility at altitudes below 20,000 feet.
Fighter jets scrambled to intercept aircraft
Hungary’s military immediately deployed two Gripen fighter jets after detecting the aircraft. The jets located the Cessna and remained nearby while emergency services were dispatched towards the area where it eventually came down.
A few minutes later, the aircraft made an emergency landing in a sunflower field around four miles from the nuclear facility. The plane suffered extensive damage, but the pilot was able to escape without sustaining injuries.
Suspect tried to steal passing driver's car
Police said the man sustained “slight injuries” during the landing. Following the crash, he reportedly made his way through the sunflower field and reached a nearby road, where he was found “in a confused state,” according to the police release. He was reportedly distressed and allegedly attempted to take control of the driver's car and flee in it.
Officers intervened before he could drive away and arrested him. He was subsequently taken in for questioning. Initial tests suggested that he was intoxicated, while further examinations were being conducted to determine whether he had consumed any other drugs or substances.
Investigation launched into how plane was accessed
Investigators suspect that the man took the aircraft without permission from the nearby Kalocsa Airport. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the theft, including how he gained access to the aircraft and what prompted him to take it.
Officials also plan to carry out inspections at other airports across Hungary as part of the investigation.
The Paks nuclear power plant was unaffected by the incident. The facility is a crucial component of Hungary’s electricity supply, producing around half of the country’s power.
According to a report by People, Police said the man was “intoxicated” when the incident took place, while further investigations were underway to determine whether he had consumed any other substances.
Authorities have initiated proceedings against him over allegations of unlawfully taking control of a vehicle, along with other offences.
About the Author
Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.
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