Pilot of single engine plane forced to land; Pottstown PA

ABC TV - WPVI, Philadelphia | 1-15-04

[Think free or die]

A single-engine airplane has been forced to land in Pottstown, PA. It was observed flying erratically in the vicinity of Philadelphia International Airport and the Limerick Nuclear plant. Philadelphia police reported that the plane was also flying close to other craft in the airspace. The tapes will be reviewed by the FAA.

[Think free or die]

(First post - hope I got this right . . . )

[Palladin]

Good job on your first post!

The pilot was probably drunk....

or ???

[Russ]

I live not far from there. As windy as it has been here all day it's no wonder a single engine plane was flying erratically. I wonder how it was flying at all.

[petuniasevan]

I found a link at WPVI for you.

Plane Diverted from Philly Airport

Pilot Arrested

January 15, 2004 — The pilot of a small plane was arrested after what the FAA says was erratic flying. Police were notified around 10:00pm after the plane violated the restricted airspace surrounding Philadelphia International Airport and would not respond to control tower communications.

 VIDEO: Jim Gardner reports

Compounding the concerns is the fact that the airport where the pilot was circling is just a few short miles from the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant.

The small plane, a single-engine Piper PA-28, finally landed at the airport where waiting police took the pilot into custody. The plane was then towed into a hanger.

So far there is no word on why the pilot was flying as he did.

[C210N]

I wonder how the guy got his poor aircraft started.

I havn't flown for about 2 weeks... aircraft batteries that sit unused for weeks in negative temps dont't like then to be called to crank big 6-cylinder engines.

[Think free or die]

Yup, it's really howling here tonight. It wasn't quite so windy earlier though.

[Constitutional Patriot]

"The pilot was probably drunk.... "

...And heading for the Yeungling Brewery!!!

[expatpat]

When I was flying up to New York, I'd use Pottstown as a point to pick up an IFR clearance to get into NY airspace. The plant there is a very visible landmark, and I've wondered since 9/11 how much hassle one could get into flying there. Now I know.

[Palladin]

Definitely not good flying conditions for a light plane.

It's too darn cold here in PA. even for a terrorist to stick his nose outdoors.

I bet the crime rate in Philly is very low tonight.

[Think free or die]

"I bet the crime rate in Philly is very low tonight."

I bet it is.

[Eva]

What's the temperature tonight?

[Pylon]

What's the temperature tonight?

60 here in San Diego. Brrrrrrrr

[Think free or die]

"What's the temperature tonight?"

5F, with 25mph wind gusting to 29.

[ntnychik]

What's the temperature tonight? 60 here in San Diego. Brrrrrrrr -11 here in the warm part of central NY. I'm sitting next to the woodstove and still need a jacket and gloves indoors.

[Crowcreek]

"The pilot was probably drunk.... "

Or bladder trouble. If the autopilot was acting up it may have been difficult to fill a ziplock or an empty water bottle.

[Palladin]

Oh, stop it. No need to gloat. ;)

[Crowcreek]

Can't you find anyone around there to 'prop' it for you?

[BykrBayb]

I think the guy had the plane parked, and the wind picked it up. He climbed in hoping to stop it, but the wind carried him away.

[cajungirl]

wonder what his name was. The lack of a name makes me think it is al-something or other.

[Eva]

Thanks, I have family in that area.