Drunk man steals light aircraft in Hungary and approaches nuclear plant, prompting fighter scramble

A 24-year-old man who allegedly stole a light aircraft in Hungary ended up crash-landing in a sunflower field after entering restricted airspace near the country’s only nuclear power plant.

The man, from Somogy County, reportedly took a Cessna 172 from an airfield in Kalocsa, southern Hungary, and took off without authorization. The aircraft entered the protected zone around the Paks nuclear plant and appeared on military radar, prompting the Hungarian Air Force to scramble two fighter jets.

The aerial pursuit lasted only a few minutes. The aircraft made a sudden emergency landing in a sunflower field about 4 miles, or 6.4 kilometers, from the plant. Aerial footage showed the plane crossing the field and flattening the sunflowers. The aircraft suffered extensive damage, but the man reportedly escaped serious injury.

Police said the man fled after landing. When a passing driver stopped to help, investigators said the man tried to seize the vehicle and drive away. He failed after the driver resisted, and police arrested him after receiving a report.

Investigators determined that the man had been drinking. He reportedly told police that he had consumed several beers the previous night. Additional tests will determine whether other drugs were involved. Police are investigating why he stole the aircraft and how he carried out the theft, while security checks are also planned at other airports across Hungary.

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I drank several beers the night before.