PAKS— A 24-year-old man allegedly stole a Cessna 172 from Kalocsa Airport and flew toward the Paks Nuclear Power Plant in Hungary on August 29, triggering a military response.
The aircraft entered the protected airspace around the nuclear facility before eventually crash-landing in a sunflower field.
The incident began when Hungarian military radar detected the unauthorized aircraft after it took off from Kalocsa Airport (LHK), according to reports.
The flight raised immediate security concerns because civilian aircraft are prohibited from entering the specially protected zone around the Paks facility at low altitudes.
Cessna Enters Restricted Airspace Near Nuclear Plant
The stolen aircraft was identified as a Cessna 172, a widely used light aircraft. Investigators believe the man took the aircraft from the nearby Kalocsa airfield without authorization and headed toward Paks, where Hungary’s only nuclear power plant operates.
The Paks Nuclear Power Plant has special airspace protection, with civilian aircraft prohibited from flying within two miles of the facility below 20,000 feet, according to the supplied report.
Other regional reports describe the restricted area as extending three kilometers around the plant and up to 6,000 meters in altitude.
The unauthorized flight prompted Hungary to activate two Gripen fighter jets. The fighters were launched after military radar detected the aircraft, and they located the Cessna before remaining in the area during the emergency response.
Emergency Landing Near Nuclear Plant
The incident ended when the Cessna 172 made an emergency landing in a sunflower field approximately four miles from the nuclear power plant.
The aircraft sustained significant damage, while the man escaped the crash without physical injuries.
After the crash, the suspect allegedly left the aircraft and walked toward a nearby road.
Police said a passing driver encountered him while he appeared distressed, after which the man allegedly attempted to take control of the vehicle before being stopped.
Police subsequently arrested the 24-year-old man and took him for questioning. Initial examinations indicated that he was intoxicated, while authorities continued additional testing to determine whether other substances were involved.
Nuclear Plant Remains Safe Despite Airspace Breach
Despite the aircraft entering the protected area, the Paks Nuclear Power Plant suffered no damage. The facility generates about 50% of Hungary’s electricity, making the airspace breach a significant national security concern, the New York Post reported.
Hungarian authorities are investigating how the suspect gained access to the aircraft and what motivated the unauthorized flight.
Police also said further checks would be carried out at other airports across Hungary as officials examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The response highlighted the role of Hungary’s military radar and fighter-interception system in protecting sensitive infrastructure.
Although the incident ended without injuries or damage to the nuclear facility, the unauthorized Cessna flight created a serious aviation and security alert.
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