Polikarpov Po-2 / CSS13, HA-PAO / 0448, Goldtimer Foundation / Goldtimer Alapitvany
This picture is © Miklos Szabo and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: HA-PAO
Construction Number: 0448
Model Polikarpov Po-2 / CSS13
Operator: Goldtimer Foundation / Goldtimer Alapitvany
Airport: Gyuro Airfield (LHGR) , Hungary
Photographer: Miklos Szabo
Date Taken: 01/05/2010
Date Submitted: 19/01/2014
Polish version of the Soviet Polikarpov PO-2, which having been in production until 1978, was the far longest Soviet airframe ever manufactured continuously. The CSS-13 was licence-built by WSK-Okecie and WSK-Mielec between 1948 and 1956. Reportedly 500 built. This particular one was built in 1954, in Hungarian registry since 1956 as HA-PAO. WFU cca. 1968 and donated to the Museum of Transport, Budapest. Restoration in Farkashegy early 1980s. First flight after restoration in 1984, first international appearance 1985 in Switzerland, as the sole airworthy PO-2 variant in Europe. Key person was Károly Császár, who initiated and supported the restoration. July 6 1986, after finishing his demo flight in Budaörs, Károly Császár died of heart attack at the controls, still in the air. Somehow the plane landed with significant, however repairable damage. Repaired, still popular highlight of airshows. This picture is dedicated to the memory Mr. Károly Császár.
Picture ID:1438623