Airline Scams and Scandals

[Aero Mad]

Hi all,

I'm doing a bit of pre-research on airline scams, scandals and interesting stories (or should I say aviation scams and scandals - want to include stuff right back to pre-WWI) for a possible book.

So far have considered things like the Great Plane Robbery (Cooper and the 727), the very recent Victor Bassey case, the 19 year old who pretended to start an airline and some other stories.

Anyone got other ideas?

Of course would have to be very careful with libel.

Many thanks,

Aero Mad

[stepwilk]

There's of course the business covered in the film "Catch Me If You Can," Leonardo diCaprio playing a real-life character, Frank-something, who successfully pretended to be an airline pilot for some time. And there have been a number of threads on the "Rumours and News" forum here about fake pilots; I think there's one current right now.

[stepwilk]

And don't forget "the Barefoot Bandit," here in the U. S., the nonpilot kid who stole a bunch of airplanes and was finally caught recently.

Also the man who tried to disappear--again in the U. S.--a couple of years ago by, as I remember, jumping out of his single-engine Piper Malibu (?) and letting it crash--I'm hazy on the details, but a search should turn it up.

[treadigraph]

What about the 707 that took out the approach lights at Bristol about thirty years ago. Very dodgy operation as I recall and there was a thread on here I think.

This one...

[Atcham Tower]

Google Captain Kozubski.

[skydiver69]

You could try looking for info on Cowboy's Caravan. Cowboy apparently was involved in drug smuggling by night and flew skydivers by day but at some point someone took exception to his nocturnal activities and sabotaged the plane causing it to crash.

Dropzone.com Skydive Forums: Skydiving: Skydiving History & Trivia: Cowboys <b>Caravan</b>

[Capetonian]

There was a Scotsman in CPT in the late 80's, I think his name was Neil xxxxxxx, who took a number of people for a ride by getting them to invest money in some hare brained scheme for a start up airline to take on SAA and BA on the London route. He was previously connected with a helicopter company (Court?), and had some involvement with a company that was going to market a revolutionary new ticketing system.

I have to say that I'm not sure if his actions were fraudulent or if he was just a dreamer, but he was definitely a most eccentric, and interesting, character.

[henry crun]

If you are referring to the person I think you are, when last heard of he was serving a life sentence for interfering with young children.

[Dan Winterland]

And a PPRuNer who got a lot of people quite emotive on these forums - aka 'The Guv'ner'.

[Krystal n chips]

There was an "interesting" ad. that appeared in "Flight" (once only ) in the late 90's for a start up operation with 757's out of Prestwick...not sure if this was associated with the aforementioned paedophile but I think the scam was based in the South East of the UK.

Being curious, the shift sent for an application form / details etc. The T's and C's were along the lines of you would be paying them..well almost, I think there was a request for some ££'s up front...not sure about this bit however...but the really interesting bit, and to a certain extent, the "clever" bit came some way into the application form when you would be in "form filling mode"...a well known ploy used in many areas...there was a whole page which required some rather "interesting" information...notably what airports did you have security clearance for, what was your Mil Service number and what was your F1250 no. ( Mil ID card for overseas and civilian readers )....strangely, a distinct aroma already present with the ££'s aspect now became overwhelming at this point.

I am sure there was a court case about the scam a year or so later, but can't recall any details.....others might however?

[Aero Mad]

KnC, the man mentioned above serving life for paedophilia was the 'founder' of Caledonian Wings, which wanted to operate 44 Lockheed Tristars from Shannon. It also had interests in Prestwick. The man had his registered office at Prestwick and it was little more than a premium rate fax machine and a briefcase. You might be thinking of this?

[Fly380]

Not to forget my old mate Chris Barret-Jolly.

[Krystal n chips]

AM,

On reflection, I am sure the ad. was a different "enterprise" and involved 2 / 3 individuals from Hounslow / Southall...there were "plans " for a hangar as well I seem to recall. The court case itself got very little attention in the media, but when we read a brief story, we all went......hmmm !

[Aero Mad]

Thanks very much for all the replies so far - if you wish to be acknowledged please PM me. Reading about The Guv'nor was enough to chill me to the bone - what a dreadful man and it took Capt. PPRuNe to bust him. 20 years min. for him and no regrets :-/

[allan907]

A loose definition of aviation scam might cover the shennanigins going on over at JB. There might be some connection to books and dogs - apparently.

[NutLoose]

So far have considered things like the Great Plane Robbery (Cooper and the 727),

Don't forget to add the little fix they brought out, a little plate that the airflow turned to prevent the door from being opened again in flight.

[Aero Mad]

allan907, could you clarify? Are you referring to JetBlue, Helijet or something else? Thanks, AM.

[seafury45]

Check out the National Safety Council of Australia in the late 70s? or 80s

[VC10Conway]

In 2003 a 727, formerly of American Airlines, was stolen from Luanda's international airport in Angola. As far as I know, it's current whereabouts is still unknown.

[stepwilk]

There was an article about that 727--at least I think it's the same one--in Air & Space Smithsonian several months ago.

And if it's the wrong airplane, the article is still worth reading because it involves a Boeing that "disappeared" and remains a mystery. Well worth adding to your list.