DRUNK PILOT STEALS PLANE AND TRIGGERS FIGHTER SCRAMBLE NEAR NUCLEAR PLANT
A 24-year-old pilot allegedly stole a Cessna 172 from Hungary’s Kalocsa Airport and took off without authorization while intoxicated.
The aircraft entered restricted airspace near the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary’s only nuclear facility and the source of roughly half the country’s electricity. Two Hungarian Gripen fighters were scrambled to intercept it.
Before they needed to intervene, the Cessna crash-landed in a sunflower field approximately four miles from the plant. The aircraft was badly damaged, but the pilot escaped without serious injury.
He then reportedly attempted to flee and tried to take control of a passing vehicle before police arrested him. Authorities are investigating his motives, possible drug use and how he gained access to the aircraft.
The nuclear plant was not damaged, and there is currently no indication that this was a deliberate attack. Nevertheless, a drunk man reportedly stole an airplane, penetrated protected nuclear airspace and forced Hungary to launch fighter jets.
Hungary’s air defenses did not have to bring him down. The sunflower field handled the interception first.