USNFDX
Purple Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2001
- Posts
- 328
Drunken 'Pilot' Is Plane Stupid
Friday, March 05, 2004
Louis Paul Kadlecek celebrated his 21st birthday in style.
On the fourth day of a serious bout of drinking, the unemployed tree-cutter broke into more than a dozen hangars at a Texas airport, stole two planes and ended up flying one into a power line, police told the Houston Chronicle.
The incident began early Sunday when Kadlecek, who'd been partying since his birthday Wednesday, stumbled into the Brazoria County Airport (search), where he'd performed community service as part of a sentence for a previous arrest.
He started up one plane and took it for a spin around the tarmac before deciding it would be too tough to fly, Brazoria County Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Wagner told the newspaper.
Kadlecek apparently then set his sights lower, picking out a single-engine Cessna (search). He loaded it up with a case of stolen beer, threw the operator's manual open onto the seat beside him, and set off.
Out on the runway, Kadlecek told the police, he figured he'd "go for it," revved up the engine, and took off.
About a mile into his journey, he flew right into a set of high-voltage power lines. The propeller tore through the lowest one, which was carrying over 100,000 volts, knocking out electricity for two nearby towns.
"He said he saw a bright flash of light," Wagner said, adding that Kadlecek punctuated the moment with a hearty "Oh, [expletive]!"
The Cessna plunged 100 feet and crashed into a muddy field adjoining a local prison. Kadlecek got out, crossed a highway and walked three miles home.
Unfortunately for him, several people saw the crash. One man called 911, figured the pilot was dead and went on to his golf game. Others gave police a sketch of the mystery man.
When a law officer came to give Kadlecek a ride to appear in a police lineup Tuesday morning, the newly-minted 21-year-old had his toothbrush ready.
"I've been around long enough to know that he was expecting to be in jail," county investigator Richard Foreman said. He said Kadlecek hung his head and said, "I did it."
When asked where he'd been heading in the Cessna, Kadlecek replied, "I don't know, Mexico, maybe."
Kadlecek, who has an arrest record for burglary and various driving offenses, was charged with felony theft. He faces two to 20 years in prison.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Louis Paul Kadlecek celebrated his 21st birthday in style.
On the fourth day of a serious bout of drinking, the unemployed tree-cutter broke into more than a dozen hangars at a Texas airport, stole two planes and ended up flying one into a power line, police told the Houston Chronicle.
The incident began early Sunday when Kadlecek, who'd been partying since his birthday Wednesday, stumbled into the Brazoria County Airport (search), where he'd performed community service as part of a sentence for a previous arrest.
He started up one plane and took it for a spin around the tarmac before deciding it would be too tough to fly, Brazoria County Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles Wagner told the newspaper.
Kadlecek apparently then set his sights lower, picking out a single-engine Cessna (search). He loaded it up with a case of stolen beer, threw the operator's manual open onto the seat beside him, and set off.
Out on the runway, Kadlecek told the police, he figured he'd "go for it," revved up the engine, and took off.
About a mile into his journey, he flew right into a set of high-voltage power lines. The propeller tore through the lowest one, which was carrying over 100,000 volts, knocking out electricity for two nearby towns.
"He said he saw a bright flash of light," Wagner said, adding that Kadlecek punctuated the moment with a hearty "Oh, [expletive]!"
The Cessna plunged 100 feet and crashed into a muddy field adjoining a local prison. Kadlecek got out, crossed a highway and walked three miles home.
Unfortunately for him, several people saw the crash. One man called 911, figured the pilot was dead and went on to his golf game. Others gave police a sketch of the mystery man.
When a law officer came to give Kadlecek a ride to appear in a police lineup Tuesday morning, the newly-minted 21-year-old had his toothbrush ready.
"I've been around long enough to know that he was expecting to be in jail," county investigator Richard Foreman said. He said Kadlecek hung his head and said, "I did it."
When asked where he'd been heading in the Cessna, Kadlecek replied, "I don't know, Mexico, maybe."
Kadlecek, who has an arrest record for burglary and various driving offenses, was charged with felony theft. He faces two to 20 years in prison.
