Hungary suffers second Gripen crash in two months | World Defense

Hungary suffers second Gripen crash in two months

BLACKEAGLE

SENIOR MEMBER
Joined
Dec 5, 2014
Messages
3,623
Reactions
1,989 10 0
Country
Jordan
Location
Jordan
Peter Dunai, Budapest and Nicholas de Larrinaga, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

12 June 2015

main_p1639394.jpg

Hungarian Air Force Saab Gripen C fighter aircraft No.30 crashed on landing at Kecskemet Air Base on 10 June. Aircraft No.30 pictured here in 2010. Source: IHS/Charles Hollosi

A Hungarian Air Force Saab Gripen fighter aircraft crashed on 10 June, the second the country has lost in as many months.

The single-seat Gripen C crashed at Kecskemet Air Base after the aircraft's nose gear failed to retract properly following take off. With the nose gear stuck in an intermediate position, after 2 hours flight time and short on fuel, the pilot decided to crash land the aircraft without the main gear. The aircraft skidded uncontrollably off the runway, with the pilot ejecting and being injured in the process.

Deputy chief of general staff Lieutenant General Zoltan Orosz stated on 10 June that the aircraft "according to the first on-site investigation, did not suffer irreparable damage".

Lt Gen Orosz stated that although the crash was "visibly and perceptively caused by mechanical failure" that there was no connection between the crash on 10 June and the crash on 19 May at Caslav Air Base in the Czech Republic.

The Hungarian MoD has started an investigation into the latest crash. The first crash is currently being investigated by Hungarian, Czech, and Swedish authorities, Lt Gen Orosz added.

As a result of the crash Hungary's Gripens have been grounded, and will remain so until thorough checks are complete. The Czech Republic is understood to have also grounded its Gripens.
Hungary suffers second Gripen crash in two months - IHS Jane's 360
 
Top