2 fatalities

Icing-Related Loss of Control Leads to Crash in Hungary (SP-DNM)

Pilisszentlélek, HungaryFlight

On March 31, 1987, a PZL-Mielec AN-2 (registration SP-DNM) operated by ZUA - Zakładu Usług Agrolotniczych - AET Agroaviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Pilisszentlélek, Hungary in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew lost control of the airplane following an excessive accumulation of ice on fuselage, wings and tail. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft on a ferry flight from Budapest to Warsaw crashed near Pilisszentlélek after encountering icing conditions. Both occupants were killed. Investigation cites excessive ice accumulation as cause.

Incident Overview

A single-engine aircraft operating a ferry flight from Budapest-Ferihegy to Warsaw crashed on the slope of a hill near Pilisszentlélek. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries.

Flight Details

The flight departed Budapest-Ferihegy as a ferry movement destined for Warsaw. En route, the crew encountered icing conditions and poor weather. Air traffic control cleared the aircraft to return to Budapest and instructed the pilot to maintain a minimum altitude of 4,000 feet.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after receiving the return clearance, the aircraft lost altitude and impacted the terrain on a hillside near Pilisszentlélek. The impact and subsequent damage were catastrophic, resulting in fatalities for both individuals on board.

Investigation Findings

Official investigation determined that the accident was caused by a loss of control. The loss of control occurred following an excessive accumulation of ice on the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces. The icing conditions encountered during the flight led to ice buildup that degraded the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident is that the crew lost control of the airplane following an excessive accumulation of ice on fuselage, wings and tail.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1987 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident near Pilisszentlélek, Hungary?

A single-engine aircraft on a ferry flight from Budapest to Warsaw crashed near Pilisszentlélek after encountering icing conditions. Both occupants were killed. Investigation cites excessive ice accumulation as cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 1987 PZL-Mielec AN-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1987 involved a PZL-Mielec AN-2, registration SP-DNM, operated by ZUA - Zakładu Usług Agrolotniczych - AET Agroaviation Services, at Pilisszentlélek, Hungary.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crew lost control of the airplane following an excessive accumulation of ice on fuselage, wings and tail.