Stolen in Africa - A B727!
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Herewith a VOA report on N844AA:
US, Angola Seek Missing Boeing 727 Jet
(Voice of America) - Authorities in Africa and the United States are looking for a Boeing 727 jet missing from Angola since late last month under suspicious circumstances. The Boeing 727 has been missing since it took off under mysterious circumstances from Luanda airport in the southwest African country of Angola more than two weeks ago. U.S. government officials tell VOA it was last heard of requesting landing permission in the Seychelles off the coast of East Africa but never arrived there. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the aircraft's disappearance looks like a criminal act. But with memories still fresh of the bloody September 11 terrorist plane hijackings in the United States almost two years ago, the officials say they have to remain open to the possibility that terrorism may be involved in the case of the vanishing 727.Authorities in Angola say the plane took off illegally on Sunday, May 25. The country's minister of transportation later indicated the aircraft's disappearance would lead to stepped up security at Luanda airport.The plane was brought to Angola by a firm called Air Angola. According to VOA's Portuguese service, that firm is owned by a group of current and former high-ranking military officials.
However the Boeing 727 had been parked idle at the airport for more than a year for non-payment of some $4 million in fees to Angola's airport authority.Some U.S. officials say they suspect the plane may have been flown off to avoid repossession. Others tell VOA they believe it may have been crashed for insurance purposes.According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was built in 1975. Although it was originally operated by American Airlines, according to FAA records, its latest registered owner was an aircraft leasing firm based in Miami,
Florida.Efforts to contact the firm were unsuccessful. The telephone number for the company has been disconnected.An FAA spokesman had no new information on the plane or the firm. He told VOA firms are legally obliged to inform the agency of address changes and any transfers in aircraft ownership. But the spokesman conceded that does not always happen and he could not rule out the possibility the plane may have been sold to foreign owners. Curiously, despite the FAA records, other U.S. government officials said the plane belongs to an American who lives in South Africa who leased the aircraft to others. These officials provided no additional details.
US, Angola Seek Missing Boeing 727 Jet
(Voice of America) - Authorities in Africa and the United States are looking for a Boeing 727 jet missing from Angola since late last month under suspicious circumstances. The Boeing 727 has been missing since it took off under mysterious circumstances from Luanda airport in the southwest African country of Angola more than two weeks ago. U.S. government officials tell VOA it was last heard of requesting landing permission in the Seychelles off the coast of East Africa but never arrived there. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the aircraft's disappearance looks like a criminal act. But with memories still fresh of the bloody September 11 terrorist plane hijackings in the United States almost two years ago, the officials say they have to remain open to the possibility that terrorism may be involved in the case of the vanishing 727.Authorities in Angola say the plane took off illegally on Sunday, May 25. The country's minister of transportation later indicated the aircraft's disappearance would lead to stepped up security at Luanda airport.The plane was brought to Angola by a firm called Air Angola. According to VOA's Portuguese service, that firm is owned by a group of current and former high-ranking military officials.
However the Boeing 727 had been parked idle at the airport for more than a year for non-payment of some $4 million in fees to Angola's airport authority.Some U.S. officials say they suspect the plane may have been flown off to avoid repossession. Others tell VOA they believe it may have been crashed for insurance purposes.According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was built in 1975. Although it was originally operated by American Airlines, according to FAA records, its latest registered owner was an aircraft leasing firm based in Miami,
Florida.Efforts to contact the firm were unsuccessful. The telephone number for the company has been disconnected.An FAA spokesman had no new information on the plane or the firm. He told VOA firms are legally obliged to inform the agency of address changes and any transfers in aircraft ownership. But the spokesman conceded that does not always happen and he could not rule out the possibility the plane may have been sold to foreign owners. Curiously, despite the FAA records, other U.S. government officials said the plane belongs to an American who lives in South Africa who leased the aircraft to others. These officials provided no additional details.
"officials said the plane belongs to an American who lives in South Africa who leased the aircraft to others. These officials provided no additional details."
That wouldn't perhaps be Tokoph?
That wouldn't perhaps be Tokoph?
Gatvol
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It would not be the first 'Firm located in Florida" That has no phone number and a vacant office, to be funded by Uncle Sugar. Some of these address' come back to little boxes in a Mail Drop. I dont know of this but again it happens all the time.
It is a 1975 Model 727 according to the most current records which any of you can use by searching www.landings.com then scrolling down to search databases.
Somebody drop the gringos name so we can have a look at him....
It is a 1975 Model 727 according to the most current records which any of you can use by searching www.landings.com then scrolling down to search databases.
Somebody drop the gringos name so we can have a look at him....
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The Gringos Name??
The guy that brought the aircraft to Luanda was Keith Irwin and was from Randpark Ridge outside of Jo-Burg in South Africa. He had made a deal to haul deisel fuel to the diamond mines for those so called Generals in Angola. Yes he did name the airline "Air Angols". The aircraft was leased or perhaps stolen from an outfit at the Opolaka airport in Miami.The Aircraft N844AA was an Ex American Airlines bird and was converted to a fuel hauler while in Namibia. The "FIRM" in Florida was there on the feild at Opolaka and they had several aircraft in there possession along with a large staff of Mechanics and helper's and an active telephone at the time.
Last edited by fesmokie; 14th Jun 2003 at 04:52.
GunsssR4ever
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What an amazing story !Here is another thread running on rumours and news :
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...threadid=91406
Two friends actually flew "it" (or similar) - the fuel conversion sounds 100% correct - and he send me some pics .... wonder if "it" is the same aircraft ?
Maybe post them ?
Cheers
Gunns
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Small world indeed fesmokie .. one is in IC flying front seat in a 
, and other one fell with ass in butter flying a very rich Indian business man all over the world ... not you perhaps 
, and other one fell with ass in butter flying a very rich Indian business man all over the world ... not you perhaps
GunsssR4ever
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currawong :
Maybe Guns borrowed it to haul his booze around?
Have a great day !
I am getting pi55ed .. England won the KIWI's and in 2 hours :
B O K K E !!!
See Aussies ar thrashing the Welch ... 18 - 3 after 53 minutes ..
THUNDERTAILED
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"officials said the plane belongs to an American who lives in South Africa who leased the aircraft to others. These officials provided no additional details".
This is the venerable Maurie who is the SA facilitator for the Nigerian IRS airline. RUMOUR has it that the pilot set the a/p and hit the silk. Rumour also has it that the Nigerian insurers smell lots of big smelly rats and ain't payin' up...
This is the venerable Maurie who is the SA facilitator for the Nigerian IRS airline. RUMOUR has it that the pilot set the a/p and hit the silk. Rumour also has it that the Nigerian insurers smell lots of big smelly rats and ain't payin' up...
Gatvol
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Based on this thread and the other thread mentioned it appears Fesmokie is not at all happy with a certain "Keith Irwin".....As I had mentioned before there is a good database for Pilot and Aircraft info out there, you just have to play around with it and remember that it is limited by whats "Public Information" www.landings.com
By scrolling down and searching Pilot Databases I came up with something that may be the same guy:
Keith Barry Irwin
14 Swie Ave Box 799
Randparkridge, South Africa
He hold a US FAA PPL and is rated for Single and Multi-Engine Land. IT may or may not be the same guy and also his license may not be current. Obviously he cannot fly for hire on that license.
Fesmokie, what say you.........
By scrolling down and searching Pilot Databases I came up with something that may be the same guy:
Keith Barry Irwin
14 Swie Ave Box 799
Randparkridge, South Africa
He hold a US FAA PPL and is rated for Single and Multi-Engine Land. IT may or may not be the same guy and also his license may not be current. Obviously he cannot fly for hire on that license.
Fesmokie, what say you.........
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B Sousa
I sayeth dat wood be da man. Except I had a different box number plus all his many phone numbers. I even spent a day in his house at Randparkridge. Dosn't matter though nobody can find the bastard. From what I've heard, even the folks that let him leave Florida with that aircraft can't find him, along with many others. I'm just going to write the money he owes me off to another fine african vacation. His day will come
His day will come
GunsssR4ever
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... and the storm does not want to settle ....
The Central Intelligence Agency and the American state department have joined in the continent-wide search for the aircraft US authorities said was probably stolen from the airport in the capital Luanda as part of a business dispute or financial scam.
A less likely, but far more chilling scenario, is that the plane was either stolen by terrorists or could end up in their hands for a possible September 11-type attack somewhere in Africa, said US officials.
The 28-year-old jetliner was stolen from under the noses of Luanda airport's control tower on May 25 and has not been sighted since. It had been parked at the airport for 14 months.
'I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business'
US spy satellites have taken pictures of remote airstrips throughout Africa, including those at a half-fuel-tank's distance from Luanda's 4 de Fevereiro airport. US diplomats have travelled across Africa looking for the aircraft.
"I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business," said Chris Yates, a civil aviation security analyst for Jane's Aviation service.
"It is not a stretch to think this plane could end up in the hands of terrorists. A number of companies involved in gun-running and other crimes in Africa have indirect ties to various terrorist groups," he added.
Flown by American Airlines for decades, the 47m, 90 700kg jetliner was later owned, leased or subleased by a number of people and companies. Aerospace Sales and Leasing in Miami is its current owner.
Angolan state radio said shortly after its disappearance that it had been chartered by the Angolan airline Airangol but was grounded after being banned from overflying Angolan territory on account of a series of irregularities.
Eischhh Africa ....
The Central Intelligence Agency and the American state department have joined in the continent-wide search for the aircraft US authorities said was probably stolen from the airport in the capital Luanda as part of a business dispute or financial scam.
A less likely, but far more chilling scenario, is that the plane was either stolen by terrorists or could end up in their hands for a possible September 11-type attack somewhere in Africa, said US officials.
The 28-year-old jetliner was stolen from under the noses of Luanda airport's control tower on May 25 and has not been sighted since. It had been parked at the airport for 14 months.
'I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business'
US spy satellites have taken pictures of remote airstrips throughout Africa, including those at a half-fuel-tank's distance from Luanda's 4 de Fevereiro airport. US diplomats have travelled across Africa looking for the aircraft.
"I haven't come across this before in 22 years in this business," said Chris Yates, a civil aviation security analyst for Jane's Aviation service.
"It is not a stretch to think this plane could end up in the hands of terrorists. A number of companies involved in gun-running and other crimes in Africa have indirect ties to various terrorist groups," he added.
Flown by American Airlines for decades, the 47m, 90 700kg jetliner was later owned, leased or subleased by a number of people and companies. Aerospace Sales and Leasing in Miami is its current owner.
Angolan state radio said shortly after its disappearance that it had been chartered by the Angolan airline Airangol but was grounded after being banned from overflying Angolan territory on account of a series of irregularities.
Gatvol
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Hey Folks, its even getting newsworhty here in the states.......
WASHINGTON (June 19) -- The family of a man believed to have been piloting a Boeing 727 that mysteriously took off and disappeared from an Angolan runway last month today told of their anguish as international authorities fear the jetliner could be used for a terrorist act.
In a baffling aviation vanishing act, workers at Luanda Airport in Angola watched dumbfounded on May 25 as the Boeing 727 taxied down the runway and took off -- without permission. The plane -- which was refitted to haul diesel fuel tanks, making it a potential flying bomb -- has not been seen since.
The man the U.S. government suspects of piloting the 727 is Benjamin Padilla -- a U.S. citizen from Florida. Padilla, too, has vanished, and his family is worried.
"I am concerned that he might have been hijacked," Padilla's brother, Joseph, said in an exclusive interview with ABCNEWS.
"It's very painful," said Padilla's sister, Benita Kirkland Padilla. "The whole family is in anguish, not knowing what happened to our brother."
The last time the family heard from Padilla was on May 14, when Benita received an e-mail from her brother informing her that he was on his way to Africa and would get in touch with his ailing mother as soon as he returned home.
But more than a month since their last communication, Padilla has not yet returned home. And with international authorities concerned that the missing jetliner could be used for terrorist purposes, the family maintains that he would never be involved in such a plan.
"Personally, I do not believe he has done anything criminal or terrorist-related," Benita told 'Good Morning America' today.
The family believes Padilla, a licensed mechanic and pilot, flew to Angola on behalf of Aerospace Sales and Leasing, a Florida-based company that bought the 727 from American Airlines two years ago. The plane had not been moved for more than a year, and his family believes Padilla went to see whether it was fit to fly.
Neither Padilla's family nor ABCNEWS has been able to reach anyone at Aerospace Sales and Leasing. No one was at the office when ABCNEWS visited Wednesday and phone calls were not answered.
Despite the use of satellites to scour the African landscape, and a request to all African embassies for information, U.S. officials said they still have no clue about the plane's location.
"We don't have any reliable assessments about what this portends, what it could be, who may be behind it," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.
Joseph fears that his brother may have lost control of the plane's hydraulics after taking off and is concerned for his safety.
"If the plane has gone into the water, satellites can't make it out," he told 'Good Morning America' today.
Most intelligence officials believe the plane was stolen to run drugs or guns, or as part of an insurance scam.
However, they have not ruled out the possibility the plane is in the hands of terrorists -- perhaps plotting to target U.S. embassies in Africa.
But Benita said she was sure her brother, whom she described as a man with "a sort of nomadic nature," would never voluntarily get involved in any plot against his country's interests. "He was a patriot, he loved his country, he loved to fly," she said.
WASHINGTON (June 19) -- The family of a man believed to have been piloting a Boeing 727 that mysteriously took off and disappeared from an Angolan runway last month today told of their anguish as international authorities fear the jetliner could be used for a terrorist act.
In a baffling aviation vanishing act, workers at Luanda Airport in Angola watched dumbfounded on May 25 as the Boeing 727 taxied down the runway and took off -- without permission. The plane -- which was refitted to haul diesel fuel tanks, making it a potential flying bomb -- has not been seen since.
The man the U.S. government suspects of piloting the 727 is Benjamin Padilla -- a U.S. citizen from Florida. Padilla, too, has vanished, and his family is worried.
"I am concerned that he might have been hijacked," Padilla's brother, Joseph, said in an exclusive interview with ABCNEWS.
"It's very painful," said Padilla's sister, Benita Kirkland Padilla. "The whole family is in anguish, not knowing what happened to our brother."
The last time the family heard from Padilla was on May 14, when Benita received an e-mail from her brother informing her that he was on his way to Africa and would get in touch with his ailing mother as soon as he returned home.
But more than a month since their last communication, Padilla has not yet returned home. And with international authorities concerned that the missing jetliner could be used for terrorist purposes, the family maintains that he would never be involved in such a plan.
"Personally, I do not believe he has done anything criminal or terrorist-related," Benita told 'Good Morning America' today.
The family believes Padilla, a licensed mechanic and pilot, flew to Angola on behalf of Aerospace Sales and Leasing, a Florida-based company that bought the 727 from American Airlines two years ago. The plane had not been moved for more than a year, and his family believes Padilla went to see whether it was fit to fly.
Neither Padilla's family nor ABCNEWS has been able to reach anyone at Aerospace Sales and Leasing. No one was at the office when ABCNEWS visited Wednesday and phone calls were not answered.
Despite the use of satellites to scour the African landscape, and a request to all African embassies for information, U.S. officials said they still have no clue about the plane's location.
"We don't have any reliable assessments about what this portends, what it could be, who may be behind it," said White House spokesman Ari Fleischer.
Joseph fears that his brother may have lost control of the plane's hydraulics after taking off and is concerned for his safety.
"If the plane has gone into the water, satellites can't make it out," he told 'Good Morning America' today.
Most intelligence officials believe the plane was stolen to run drugs or guns, or as part of an insurance scam.
However, they have not ruled out the possibility the plane is in the hands of terrorists -- perhaps plotting to target U.S. embassies in Africa.
But Benita said she was sure her brother, whom she described as a man with "a sort of nomadic nature," would never voluntarily get involved in any plot against his country's interests. "He was a patriot, he loved his country, he loved to fly," she said.
Gatvol
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Based on further Information a guy in Florida matcvhing his description does have a Pilots, Mechanics License along with Flight Engineer Rating which mean he may be somewhat knowledgable on the 727. However his Pilots license is a PPl for Single Engine........Good Luck with a 727
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My instructor once told me to move the levers together and its just like a single, only a bit bigger.
That aeroplane has probably been repainted and re-registered and is flying around somewhere with big blue UN and WFP markings on it. Nobody looks twice at those markings, since there are so many aircraft sporting those colours all over the continent.
That aeroplane has probably been repainted and re-registered and is flying around somewhere with big blue UN and WFP markings on it. Nobody looks twice at those markings, since there are so many aircraft sporting those colours all over the continent.
GunsssR4ever
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Even made Headline News on BBC World ..
Western intelligence services are racing against the clock to find a passenger aircraft somewhere in Africa.
The Boeing 727 was stolen in Angola earlier and there were fears that it could be used in an attack similar to the 9/11 disaster.
The American CIA started searching for the aircraft more than a month ago after it was stolen at an airport in Luanda.
Interpol in South Africa had also conducted a search, but to no avail.
The aircraft disappeared on May 25 after leaving the Luanda airport without permission. The Boeing, which can carry 150 people, had been standing at the Luanda airport for more than a year.
Reports said the Boeing was the property of an American company, which hired it out.
Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrecht, Interpol's South African spokesperson, said the Angolan government contacted police two weeks ago to investigate reports that the aircraft could be in South Africa.
Engelbrecht said: "We investigated every possibility, but found that it wasn't in South Africa."
The search in South Africa was called off, but the CIA requested British and French intelligence services to help conduct a search on the African continent.
American spy satellites were used to photograph airports where the aircraft could have been hidden.
Sapa reported that the aircraft might be used for smuggling purposes. Western countries, however, fear that the aircraft might be used in a deadly attack.
The Washington Post reported earlier this week that American authorities were concerned that the aircraft could be used against American targets in Africa.
The aircraft's seats had apparently been removed to make room for huge fuel tanks for flights to remote destinations.
The Boeing 727 was stolen in Angola earlier and there were fears that it could be used in an attack similar to the 9/11 disaster.
The American CIA started searching for the aircraft more than a month ago after it was stolen at an airport in Luanda.
Interpol in South Africa had also conducted a search, but to no avail.
The aircraft disappeared on May 25 after leaving the Luanda airport without permission. The Boeing, which can carry 150 people, had been standing at the Luanda airport for more than a year.
Reports said the Boeing was the property of an American company, which hired it out.
Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrecht, Interpol's South African spokesperson, said the Angolan government contacted police two weeks ago to investigate reports that the aircraft could be in South Africa.
Engelbrecht said: "We investigated every possibility, but found that it wasn't in South Africa."
The search in South Africa was called off, but the CIA requested British and French intelligence services to help conduct a search on the African continent.
American spy satellites were used to photograph airports where the aircraft could have been hidden.
Sapa reported that the aircraft might be used for smuggling purposes. Western countries, however, fear that the aircraft might be used in a deadly attack.
The Washington Post reported earlier this week that American authorities were concerned that the aircraft could be used against American targets in Africa.
The aircraft's seats had apparently been removed to make room for huge fuel tanks for flights to remote destinations.