A drunken airplane joyride in a stolen plane in New York State raises larger questions about airport security.
A 20-year-old accompanied by two teenaged friends stole the single-engine plane from a Connecticut airport and flew it for almost three hours before landing in Westchester, reported the New York Daily News.
“Someone being in possession of a stolen plane flying it into a closed airport at night highlights our vulnerabilities,” Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro told the News.
At larger airports, the federal government handles security. At the thousands of smaller airfields, state Department of Transportation officials are responsible.
The federal government has guidelines for small airports, but enforcement is left to local jurisdiction.
The errant pilot, identified as Philippe Patricio, was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of stolen property. He could go to jail for up to 22 years.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
Report by David Wilkening
