Hungary Scrambles 2 Fighter Jets After Drunk 24-Year-Old Steals Cessna Near Nuclear Plant
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 1
Hungary Scrambles 2 Fighter Jets After Drunk 24-Year-Old Steals Cessna Near Nuclear Plant
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 1
Summary
A 24-year-old man allegedly stole a Cessna 172 from Kalocsa Airport on Saturday, flew toward Paks and forced Hungary to launch two standby fighter jets.
Hungarian police said the man appeared intoxicated, freed the plane from its ground ropes and took off from a service road before the aircraft came down in a sunflower field near Gerjen.
Minor injuries were reported after the landing; the suspect reached a nearby road, allegedly tried to steal a passing car, and was arrested within minutes when the driver stopped him.
Authorities are investigating with aviation officials and other experts, while police said the man faces charges tied to the plane theft and related actions.
Aviation expert Steven Arroyo called unauthorized aircraft thefts extremely rare but serious, warning alcohol can severely impair judgment in flight, especially at altitude.