Priceless fighter plane recovered from Lake Balaton

A World War II fighter plane that crashed in Hungary eight decades ago has been recovered from Lake Balaton.

The Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter, built in the Győr aircraft factory, is a valuable piece of military history. Around 600 of these were produced and at the time it was one of the most sophisticated fighter aircraft.

The plane was shot down on 2 July 1944. This was the day the US Army launched its biggest air raid against Hungary. The plane is also special because it is the only surviving Messerschmitt assembled in Hungary in the world, economx.hu reports.

Lieutenant General Ferenc Kajári and government spokeswoman Alexandra Szentkirályi were present at the ceremony.