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Pilot Sentenced in Iowa for Flying Without License
A man who thought he could fly has landed himself in hot water. Keith Alexander Thomas, a 44-year-old from Portales, New Mexico, was sentenced to two years’ probation and fined $5,000 for operating an airplane without a pilot’s license.
According to court documents, Thomas and another man flew from New Mexico to Wisconsin in June 2018 to purchase a Cessna airplane. Thomas, who didn’t have a pilot’s license, agreed to serve as the pilot and attempt to fly it back to New Mexico.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse. The Cessna suffered engine failure as it flew over Iowa, forcing Thomas to make an emergency landing in Waterloo. But that’s not all – the plane was also out of inspection compliance and the landing gear was not operational.
Thankfully, no one was hurt during the emergency landing. But Thomas’s actions still put lives at risk, and he was held accountable for his reckless behavior.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of the Inspector General.
Thomas was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. The case file number is 21-CR-2003.
As our readers know, flying an airplane requires extensive training and licensing. It’s not something to be taken lightly, and Thomas’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of following safety protocols.
The case serves as a warning to others who might think they can fly without proper training and licensing. Bottom line: it’s just not worth the risk.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA for the latest updates on this and other cases.
Key Facts
- State: Iowa
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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