Two 14 year old boys steal plane and then crash

More great press for GA airport security.

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Two 14-year-old boys from Big Bear are doing OK tonight. Police say they
suffered minor injuries after stealing an airplane from the Big Bear Airport
and crash-landing it in Joshua Tree National Park last night.

The boys' apparent joy-ride ended in the park about 10 miles north of the
Cottonwood station.

It all started here at the Big Bear Airport. A bit later, it ended in the
middle of the desert. Police say two 14-year-olds, stole the keys to one
boy's father's airplane and stole it from its hangar.

Police believe the two learned how to operate the Mooney M-20 by watching
the father fly it and apparently, they didn't learn very well.

"Another witness noticed the airplane depart in fairly erratic manner and
raised a question in my mind. This witness thought that was unusual. He came
over and reported this to police."

According to police, the boys' plans were to runaway and take themselves to
Mexico in the plane. But the plans took a wrong turn when the plane ran out
of gas. And they boys had to crash it right here in Joshua Tree in the
morning.

Two park workers found the boys on the side of the road. They say they were
surprised the two weren't seriously hurt.

These boys are really lucky. They could have caused extensive damage to the
plane and terrible injuries to themselves. While the plane did not suffer
significant damage - the crash did bang up its propeller and landing gear.
The two teens were taken to jail. It's not known yet if they'll be charged
with anything.

Many people are wondering tonight, how did this happen? How did two 14-year
old boys get access to the airplane?

We talked to one local expert who runs a flight school at Palm Springs
International Airport. He says there's no way the same thing could have
happened in Palm Springs. He also says that young pilots are not uncommon.

In California, you can get a license at 17-years-old. These teens were three
years younger than that and he says that's irresponsible and dangerous.

"People that come into aviation, if they are not responsible, they learn to
be responsible otherwise they'll never go thru the training and go thru the
FAA check right?"

Dutzi says the two boys are lucky to be alive after making the emergency
landing.

John Doe wrote:

Two 14-year-old boys from Big Bear are doing OK tonight. Police say they
suffered minor injuries after stealing an airplane from the Big Bear Airport
and crash-landing it in Joshua Tree National Park last night.
snip

Looks like Darwin was asleep last night, too.

--
Peter

On Tue, 28 Feb 2006 06:50:34 -0500, "John Doe"
wrote in gOWMf.43722$Dh.41109@dukeread04::

It all started here at the Big Bear Airport. A bit later, it ended in the
middle of the desert. Police say two 14-year-olds, stole the keys to one
boy's father's airplane and stole it from its hangar.

Given the storm at the time, the likelihood of clouds obscuring the
peaks, and a virtually moonless night, I'm amazed this flight ended so
well.

It all started here at the Big Bear Airport. A bit later, it ended in the
middle of the desert. Police say two 14-year-olds, stole the keys to one
boy's father's airplane and stole it from its hangar.

Given the storm at the time, the likelihood of clouds obscuring the
peaks, and a virtually moonless night, I'm amazed this flight ended so
well.

Well, the boys obviously have some piloting skills. Too bad they'll be
felons now...

:-(
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

On Tue, 28 Feb 2006 14:41:54 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote in
SiZMf.793828$x96.290580@attbi_s72::

Too bad they'll be felons now...

Because the aircraft belongs to one of the boy's fathers, it's not
clear that they will be charged.

Larry
You can bet the insurance company will not pay off for 'Wrongful
conversion" and Dad will be left with a hefty bill to get his Mooney
back to flyable. I was looking at the fact they got it back on the
ground without major? damage or injury.
I'd beat that kids ass to a healthy puffy dimension.........
Ol Shy & Bashful

Ah... But in California if you as much as look at your kid wrong you go to
jail for abuse. I am afraid there is nothing he can do but give them a
time-out. ;-)

I'd beat that kids ass to a healthy puffy dimension.........
Ol Shy & Bashful

--
Mike Flyin'8
PP-ASEL
Temecula, CA
http://flying.4alexanders.com

wrote:

You can bet the insurance company will not pay off for 'Wrongful
conversion" and Dad will be left with a hefty bill to get his Mooney
back to flyable.

Why is that? The owner himself was not the operator at the time of the
accident.

The fact that the thief of the aircraft was his son does not negate the
fact that the aircraft was stolen and damaged. As an aircraft owner
myself, I have confidence that this aircraft will be covered by the owner's
insurance policy.

--
Peter

wrote:
Larry
You can bet the insurance company will not pay off for 'Wrongful
conversion" and Dad will be left with a hefty bill to get his Mooney
back to flyable. I was looking at the fact they got it back on the
ground without major? damage or injury.
I'd beat that kids ass to a healthy puffy dimension.........
Ol Shy & Bashful

What good is insurance if it doesn't cover stuff like this?

On 28 Feb 2006 07:40:11 -0800, wrote in
. com::

Larry
You can bet the insurance company will not pay off for 'Wrongful
conversion"

I'm not familiar with that term; what's it mean?


I was looking at the fact they got it back on the
ground without major? damage or injury.

Given the weather up in the mountains yesterday, it's remarkable.
http://www.snowsummit.com/conditions.php
Current Report as of:
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 updated at 7:30 a.m.

SNOW SUMMIT AND BEAR MOUNTAIN WILL BE CLOSED TODAY DUE TO WEATHER.
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain will be closed today due to weather.
The resorts received significant rain showers over night and it is
still raining this morning.

Remember, Big Bear Airport is located in a mountain valley surrounded
by significantly higher terrain. http://www.airnav.com/airport/L35

I'd beat that kids ass to a healthy puffy dimension.........

Do that in this state, and it is you who'd be the felon. :-(