Worcester County Man Charged With Flying Helicopter From Backyard

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA — Turns out it is indeed illegal to fly a helicopter in and out of your backyard — especially without a pilot's license. Antonio Santonastaso, 59 of East Brookfield, was accused of taking more than 50 flights with his R-22 helicopter in and out of his backyard, U. S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration revoked Santonastaso’s license to pilot an aircraft in 2000 after he helped steal a helicopter from Norwood Memorial Airport, according to Lelling's office. Santonastaso flew a Robinson R-22 helicopter on what the FAA deemed an extremely hazardous path between April 28, 2018 and Nov. 11, 2018.

• Scroll down to watch video a neighbor took of Santonastaso landing his helicopter in his backyard

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Santonastaso lied about being licensed to fly a helicopter and claimed he didn't know his license was revoked. He also lied about having a medical certificate, which is required in order to fly an aircraft.

He was charged with flying an aircraft without a certificate and making false statements to federal agents. Santonastaso is facing up to five years in prison with three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.