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42 fatalities

Slovak Air Force Aircraft Crash Near Telkibánya, Hungary (5605)

Telkibánya, HungaryLanding (descent or approach)

On January 19, 2006, an Antonov AN-24 (registration 5605) operated by Slovak Air Force - Letectva a Protivzdu Obrany-snej Slovenskej was involved in an aviation accident near Telkibánya, Hungary during landing or approach. 42 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of situational and vertical orientation and non-compliance with the safety altitude. During the transition from instrument to visual approach to the airport of Košice, the pilots apparently did not set the radio altimeter and probably underestimated the… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Slovak Air Force aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Telkibánya, Hungary, while returning from Kosovo. The accident killed 42 of 49 occupants; one passenger was seriously injured.

Incident Overview and Route Details A military aircraft operated by the Slovak Air Force (Letectva a Protivzdu Obrany-snej Slovenskej) was returning to Košice after a routine flight from Pristina. The aircraft was transporting personnel associated with the KFOR contingent, including 28 soldiers of the Slovak Army, 7 logisticians, and 8 crew members. ## Crash Circumstances During a nighttime descent toward Košice-Barca Airport, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a snow-covered, wooded area near the village of Telkibánya, Hungary. The wreckage was located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of the threshold of runway 01. The aircraft was destroyed by the impact and a subsequent post-crash fire. ## Casualties and Weather Conditions The accident resulted in the deaths of 42 occupants, with one passenger sustaining serious injuries. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were reported as good, with a cloud ceiling at 5,000 feet and visibility of 10 kilometers.

Probable cause

Loss of situational and vertical orientation and non-compliance with the safety altitude. During the transition from instrument to visual approach to the airport of Košice, the pilots apparently did not set the radio altimeter and probably underestimated the height of the terrain below the aircraft and its immediate vicinity.
Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 2006 Antonov AN-24 accident near Telkibánya, Hungary?

A Slovak Air Force aircraft crashed in a wooded area near Telkibánya, Hungary, while returning from Kosovo. The accident killed 42 of 49 occupants; one passenger was seriously injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jan 2006 Antonov AN-24 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 42 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jan 2006 involved an Antonov AN-24, registration 5605, operated by Slovak Air Force - Letectva a Protivzdu Obrany-snej Slovenskej, at Telkibánya, Hungary.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of situational and vertical orientation and non-compliance with the safety altitude. During the transition from instrument to visual approach to the airport of Košice, the pilots apparently did not set the radio altimeter and probably underestimated the height of the terrain below the aircraft and its immediate…

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