An unlicensed pilot managed to walk without injuries, but in handcuffs, after crash landing an allegedly stolen small airplane at the Fullerton Municipal Airport on Wednesday, authorities said.
The airplane landed, but crashed into a fence beyond the end of the runway, according to Fullerton Police Department officials.
Police could be seen questioning the pilot, identified by police and bookng records as 32-year-old Christian Virgil Estoque of Covina, near the plane before leading him away in handcuffs. He was booked on suspicion of grand theft and theft of an aircraft, Fullerton police Sgt. Eric Bridges said. No injuries were reported.
The damage to the airplane and fence was minor, officials said.
Officials believed the Cessna 172 had been taken from the Chino Airport, although it was not yet clear how long the suspect had it or how he took it, Bridges said.
“The owner did verify that the plane was stolen,” the sergeant said. In fact, the owner was under the impression that the plane was still on a runway at a different airport. He came out and saw the plane was gone.”
A drug-sniffing dog was brought to inspect the plane, but no drugs were found, police said.
The Federal Aviation Administration is also conducting an investigation, police said.
Information regarding Estoque’s bail and initial court date was not available late Wednesday.
