Yeah, this is just what general aviation needs now, a story like this.....
Updates at
www.philly.com
Small plane pilot to face charges
By Marc Schogol
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Charges are to be filed against a Pottstown man who flew his small plane into restricted airspace over Philadelphia International Airport yesterday, was followed by a police helicopter and finally landed at an airport near the Limerick nuclear power station.
Montgomery District Attorney Bruce L. Castor said today that his office is preparing DUI charges against John Salamone, 44, of Temple Road in Pottstown.
Philadelphia Police said that between 6:15 and 10:15 p.m. yesterday, Salamone's Cherokee aircraft came into Philadelphia International Airport's air space, close to approach areas for other aircraft and as close as 100 feet to the ground.
The plane then flew across the river into South Jersey, over Camden, the Cross Keys area and down to Atlantic City, where it turned around and retraced its path back towards the airport, police said.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tower personnel at Philadelphia International tried to get the plane to land there, Northeast Airport, Wings Field and other area airfields, according to police.
With the Philadelphia police helicopter following closely, police said the plane eventually landed at its home field - the Pottstown-Limerick Airport in Montgomery County - not far from the Limerick nuclear power station.
The pilot was immediately arrested. Police said that in addition to Montgomery County authorities, the FBI and the federal Department of Homeland Security also is investigating.