Mystery plane flew through the airspace of six NATO countries before pilot disappeared – World News
When authorities finally tracked the plane to a small airfield in Hungary, the occupants were gone
Image: OnlyPhoto via Getty Images)
Several fighter jets were reportedly grounded after an unidentified plane flew through the airspace of six NATO countries.
The mysterious plane was spotted by the Hungarian and Romanian Air Forces flying over Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Lithuania Daily Star reports.
Two USAF F-16s, two Romanian F-16s and two Hungarian Gripens were sent to intercept the aircraft after it failed to respond to radio communications.
The plane eventually landed in Debrecen, Hungary to refuel. It took off again and was later found at a small local airfield in Bulgaria known as Targovishte Airport.
When authorities finally got to the plane, the pilot was nowhere to be seen and the plane appeared to have been abandoned. The plane’s engine was reportedly still warm when officers first arrived at the scene, and the occupants likely narrowly escaped.
Forensic officers were pictured inspecting the plane as part of their investigation.
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Picture:
airlive.net)
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Prosecutors in the Bulgarian city of Targovishte have launched an investigation into the incident. according to media company Euractiv
Bulgarian Defense Ministry official Dragomir Zakov insisted the rogue plane had not posed a threat to civilians.
“At no time was the plane a threat to civil or military infrastructure in Bulgaria,” he said.
“He was flying at low altitude, which made interception difficult for fighter jets, but he was monitored at all times.
“The Department of Defense is taking the appropriate steps to determine the circumstances.”
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mystery-plane-went-through-airspace-27247240 Mystery plane flew through the airspace of six NATO countries before pilot disappeared - World News
