Man tries to steal helicopter and shoots down plane when fleeing
Photo: Reproduction/KCRA3
A man tried to steal a helicopter at the airport in Sacramento, California (USA), but shot down the plane while trying to escape. According to information from the local broadcaster KCRA, the case happened on Wednesday, April 15.
According to police, the man tried to take four helicopters but only managed to take one, which he shot down and completely destroyed.
Police responded to reports of the breakin at 5:00 a.m., but the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. There are no reports of any injuries he sustained.
The FBI is working to locate him with the help of the Federal Aviation Administration, which was there to collect evidence.
Here’s another view of the tarmac at Sacramento Executive Airport where a thief tricked a helicopter into launching and then crashed it, police said. https://t.co/rdB8K0yWDh
— kcranews (@kcranews)
March 15, 2023
According to the British newspaper Chron, the aircraft, a $7.5 million Bell 429 luxury helicopter with a capacity for seven passengers and believed to be owned by Capitol Helicopters, was severely damaged.
An FBI spokesman told the newspaper, “The FBI’s Sacramento Field Office and Police Department are investigating the theft of an airplane at Sacramento Executive Airport that caused damage to multiple aircraft this morning.”
The Federal Aviation Administration will release a preliminary crash report in the coming days.
A thief has crashed a helicopter at Sacramento Executive Airport after breaking into several helicopters overnight, police said. Here’s a look at the wreck.
More >> https://t.co/rdB8K0yWDh
— kcranews (@kcranews)
March 15, 2023
lack of security
Local airport pilots had already raised concerns about safety at the site and called for additional measures. A pilot told the Chron that the fences weren’t high enough and there were no surveillance cameras.
Headquartered at Sacramento Executive Airport, Capitol Helicopters operates a fleet of 13 aircraft to support Northern California with charter, utility, agricultural and firefighting services.
Man tries to steal helicopter and shoots down plane when fleeing
Photo: Reproduction/KCRA3
Source: Editora Terra