What somber tale does this memorial tell? It marks the spot of the Air crash on 11 May 1982. This tragedy occurred in Hármashatárhegy, a northern suburb of Budapest.
Air Service Hungary operated the aircraft. The aircraft was a PZL-Mielec AN-2TP. It was completing a special flight. The flight’s route was from Budaörs to Dunakeszi. Onboard were two pilots and seven passengers. They represented the Hungarian Aerobatic Club. This club was also known as Magyar Honvédelmi Szövetség or MHSZ.
The single-engine airplane flew in limited visibility. Marginal weather conditions contributed to the danger. The plane struck the slope of a mountain. This mountain was located in Hármashatárhegy. The impact disintegrated the aircraft. Sadly, all nine occupants perished.
Among those lost were pilot Vincze Lajos. Also killed was mechanic Szöllősi József. The victims also included Hollóiné Tóth Katalin. Simon László and Weingartner Ferenc also died. Ifj.Haray Imre a flying instructor was another victim. Mechanics Hodai József and Haas Imre also perished.
The accident’s probable cause was a wrong altimeter setting. This error led to the devastating crash. This memorial commemorates the lives lost in the Air crash on 11 May 1982. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety. It stands as a testament to the risks of aviation. It also honors those who were part of the Hungarian Aerobatic Club.