Stolen Cessna Crashes At Fullerton Airport, Covina Pilot Arrested

FULLERTON, CA — An unlicensed pilot was arrested after allegedly stealing and crashing off a Fullerton Airport runway, Wednesday. The 32-year-old would-be pilot crashed into a fence but was otherwise unharmed, according to reports.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor tells Patch the Cessna 172 landed at the Fullerton airport, went off the runway, and then struck a fence after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Officers responded to the airport and found the plane had struck a fence on the west side of the airport, putting a hole in the fence and causing minor damage to the aircraft, according to Sgt. Eric Bridges of the Fullerton Police Department.

Officers talked with Christian Estoque of Covina, who said he was the pilot. Then they noticed "inconsistencies with his statements," Bridges said.

"Notably, officers discovered that Estoque did not possess a pilot's license," Bridges said. "Upon further investigation, officers discovered that the Cessna 172 piloted by Estoque was stolen from the Chino Airport."

Estoque was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and theft of an aircraft, Bridges said.

"The FAA will investigate the runway excursion," Gregor tells us. They are available to assist law enforcement if necessary.